A Café with a Cop Connection and Celebrity Feasts

In the heart of Worcester, a unique café has been serving up more than just food for the past 15 years. The Theatre Café started its journey with a bang, not with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but with a police stakeout.

A Unique Beginning

The owners, Bill Aldrich and Jeanette Harmsen, welcomed the police into their new space just a day before their grand opening. The café became an unexpected ally in a drug bust, with officers using the space to set up their operation.

A Beloved Spot

The café has since become a beloved spot in downtown Worcester, especially for theater lovers and business lunches. Aldrich and Harmsen, who have been partners for nearly two decades, saw the neighborhood transform over the years. They found the property on Craigslist in 2009 and turned it into a reality after a visit to the area.

Serving the Community

Today, the café has a special contract with the city. Every morning, they receive a call from the police department to prepare breakfast for detainees. The meal is simple: an egg sandwich and a school milk. The café also provides dinner for the detainees, usually a ham and mustard sandwich with school milk. Aldrich estimates they serve around 300 to 400 meals a month for those held in Worcester.

A Hotspot for Performers and Celebrities

But the café isn't just for detainees and theatergoers. It's also a hotspot for performers and celebrities. The Orchestra National de France dined there during a visit in November. Big names like Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, and Alton Brown have all enjoyed meals at the café. Autographed show posters decorate the walls, a testament to the talent that has passed through.

The café's menu changes with the seasons, offering everything from lobster rolls in the summer to a Thanksgiving sandwich in the fall. They also have a BYOB policy for those looking for something stronger than soda. The café started offering takeout family meals during the pandemic, including a big Easter meal in 2020 and a Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving Meals

Customers can order their Thanksgiving meals until November 21st and pick them up between 10 and 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The café uses a clever trick to keep the food fresh: they open the front window, turning the café into a natural refrigerator. By noon, they're done for the day, giving Aldrich and Harmsen time to enjoy the rest of their holiday.

Open for Breakfast and Lunch

The café is open for breakfast and lunch, but dinner is by reservation only. About 80% of their customers are groups celebrating an event or coming together for a reason. Aldrich and Harmsen have five children and six grandchildren. They live upstairs and commute by elevator, showing their deep commitment to the café.