Natchitoches residents in search of a quick bite to eat now have a couple more options thanks to the openings of Cane Brake Café and Legacy Café.

Cane Brake Café, located on Church Street, had its grand opening Nov. 5. The café is open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along with coffee, the café also serves a selection of sandwiches, breakfast food and pastries.

Sandra Miller, owner of Cane Brake, described the atmosphere of the café as relaxed. She also said this isn’t the first time Cane Brake has come to Natchitoches; the café used to be open on Front Street but closed about seven years ago. After its closing, residents expressed that they missed the café.

“Over the years people have asked me to bring it back,” Miller said.

Legacy Café opened on Jan. 18. The café is located on North Street and is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads and coffee.

Aside from serving customers, Legacy Café is aiming to assist young adults with the help of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Program. The program will provide hands-on workforce experience for 16-24-year-olds in order to teach them life and occupational skills.

Dallas Russell, executive director of the Ben Johnson Education Center, said the program will begin in March.

“This café’s purpose is a social enterprise to provide opportunities for young people to learn and gain skills,” Russell said.

Some students at Northwestern State University are excited about the new cafés in town.

“I’m glad that there are more places we can get coffee now,” said Courtney Baggett, freshman.

Photo by Victoria Perkins.