Our collective future often seems muddied by current wars, community violence, disease, and political and social clashes, to the extent that it often feels like the entire world is struggling to breathe. When those of us not so directly impacted by these overwhelming situations take the time to learn about the struggles and accomplishments of those who are, and take part in broader dialogues, we take the first steps in improving ourselves and the world around us. When we actively take part in sustainable and responsible product availability, by seeking out those products and purchasing them, we are helping to improve the lives of others. One particular eatery in Downtown Nashua offers us that opportunity on a regular basis.

Bonhoeffer’s Cafe & Espresso, located at 8 Franklin Street, is owned and operated by Gate City Church. Through the sales of their delectable food and comforting coffees and other beverages, they are able to enrich the local community and communities around the world. Named in honor of the Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, their mission is centered within a commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate. A pacifist and outspoken anti-fascist, Pastor Bonhoeffer’s life was tragically and violently stolen by the Nazi regime on April 9, 1945, at the age of 39. He left behind a legacy of insight, education, and compassionate activism.

Bonhoeffer’s Cafe commits to serving several direct trade coffees purchased through a source with professional relationships with farmers in Papua New Guinea, Uganda and Ethiopia. This guarantees that the farmers receive one hundred percent of the profits that are owed to them, ensuring that they, their families, their communities, and their businesses thrive. A considerable portion of the profits from every cup of free trade coffee sold at Bonhoeffers is dedicated to funding to provide food, housing, medical supplies, and clean water technology for orphans and refugees living in impoverished and developing nations through their sister organization, Hope and Life. As if that weren’t enough, they also contribute to local outreach programs such as NH Rescue Mission and The Nashua Soup Kitchen.

The coffee served at Bonhoeffer’s is roasted in-house, ensuring the freshest cup with every order. Each direct trade option benefits one or more non-profit associations that serve the local community where the farms are located.

A medium roast with floral notes hails from Papua New Guinea. It is used for their espresso, but is delightful as a brewed cup, iced or hot, as well. Na Wokabaut is the beneficiary for this coffee’s sales, providing support for medical facilities, water treatment, literacy programs for women, and more.

Uganda Kabum is a medium-to-dark roast with notes of chocolate and citrus, and was voted three times in Uganda as the AFCA Taste of Harvest Competition winner. The beneficiaries are 23 Women and Kabum Coffee International. 23 Women founded Kabum Coffee International to establish and maintain clean freshwater wells in the once stricken region.

Ethiopian Kocheree is a light-to-medium roast with the aromas of milk chocolate and sweet lemon. It comes from small farms in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia and is hand picked. The non-profit Dominion Trading Company, partnered with New Covenant Foundation, provides vital support of Ethiopian led health education, HIV/AIDS care and prevention, childcare, maternal care, nutrition and water purification systems.

Every cafe offers classic coffee and tea drinks, as well as more adventurous options. The team at Bonhoeffer’s has it all, from the mainstays, to the seasonal, to the absolutely fun and playful. Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, your longing for a hot cup of tea, your need for a boost of energy, and that urge for a fresh smoothie. With everything from mocha lattes to hot chocolates and candy bar-inspired sweet treats, to classic teas and chai blends, they have whatever you may desire.

Bonhoeffer’s Cafe has created a food menu that is consistently delicious and inspiring. Waffles are a newer, much anticipated addition. Bon’s Belgian is a classic Belgian waffle that is dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm maple syrup and butter. The Strawberry Delights is topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Crepes are a bit of a specialty here, and there’s no wondering why. Thin and light as air, and crafted with the perfection of a French patisserie, they are often filled with everything from the sweet to the savory. A Cinnamon Roll crepe is made with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, with the option to add toasted walnuts and a cream cheese drizzle. Bananas Foster features Ghirardelli caramel sauce, with or without toasted walnuts and a topping of whipped cream. The California Crepe is made with spinach that is filled with pesto, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, tomato, more spinach, and grilled chicken. A delightful Apples & Brie crepe pairs the sweet and savory together with caramelized apples, warm brie, spinach and black forest ham,with a side of honey mustard. Several more options are available, so be sure to check them all out.

All breakfast sandwiches at Bonhoeffer’s are served on a French roll with your choice of American, Provolone, Cheddar or Swiss cheese. You can also substitute the roll for a regular or gluten-free bagel. The classics, like Egg and Cheese, Bacon, Egg and Cheese, and Sausage, Egg and Cheese are all available, as well as a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich with mayo and your choice of cheese. A Fruit and Yogurt Parfait is a perfect, light breakfast, even on the go, with Cabot Greek vanilla bean yogurt, seasonal fruit and granola. Overnight oats can be topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. Avocado toast is a classic pick-me-up, with tomato and arugula on toasted sourdough bread, topped with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and a lemon wedge. Two different breakfast burritos are also featured, as well as assorted bagels, pastries, and more gluten-free options.

If you’re taking a break from the grind midday, Bonhoeffer’s serves numerous lunch sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Wraps are served grilled or cold, with a bag of chips and a pickle spear, and are rolled into spinach, whole wheat or tomato options. Choose from the likes of a Tuna Salad, Hummus and Veggie, Southwest Chicken, and more. Salads are made fresh and to order. A Spinach Salad, Caesar, Greek, Apple Walnut and Southwest all make for a refreshing, healthy, delicious and eye-catching lunch. Paninis are quite large here at Bonhoeffer’s, and are also joined by a bag of chips and a pickle spear, so order hungry or be prepared to have leftovers. The Thanksgiving Panini isn’t just for this particular season, and is packed with oven roasted turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, with the option to add lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. The Chicken Bacon Ranch features its namesakes, as well as cheddar and provolone cheeses, lettuce and tomato. The French Panini is made with an assortment of flavors that will leave you dazzled, with turkey, arugula, brie, tomato, red onion, and a tangy apricot mayo. The Caprese is another European inspired delight, with fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, a basil marinade, and lettuce and tomato. Soup is served, of course, and is seasonal, so feel free to call ahead before you order. Award-winning quiche is available all day at Bonhoeffer’s, and it is made fresh in-house. Order a slice or two of Broccoli Cheddar Mushroom, Spinach Ham Cheddar, or Quiche Lorraine, which is made with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese.

Combo meals are a dependable option if you can’t decide between one thing or another. Choose two out of a panini, soup, or salad, with some restrictions.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was not just a man of God; he was a man of compassion, of insight into the lives of others, of pacifism and peace. He spoke out against the fascism and brutality of the Nazi regime, and for that, he was eventually accused of conspiring with others to assasinate Adolf Hitler, for which he was hanged as the regime was finally falling. His life was stolen, and with it, his part in the movement to create a world of love and understanding, of inclusion, and of a resistance to the bullies and murderers who held power over the people.

Bonhoeffer’s Cafe is not just about coffee and food. They’re not just about the Church. Everything that they do is for the sake of improving the lives of those who are less fortunate. If you have ever received aid, you can personally appreciate how impactful just a meal or a care package or a doctor’s visit can be. If you have ever directly lent your services in these efforts, you also know.

We watch the news and documentaries, we read articles, and we can say, “This is good. This matters.” But we often do just that and then continue on with our lives. That’s okay; we can’t all devote time, money and resources to the cause. What we can do, though, on a regular basis, is learn the stories of others and spread awareness. We can support local businesses that make it their business to create direct and impactful differences in the lives of those who need our help the most.

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