Café Chronicles: Empowering Neighborhoods and Fostering Community Spirit

In the vivacious cityscape, small businesses play a crucial role in connecting vibrant neighborhoods. With each organization, there are more opportunities to improve community life and foster a sense of safety in our cities. As the metropolis evolves and big corporations dominate the urban landscape, it is the devoted efforts of small business owners that bring life into local areas. In this exclusive Café Chronicles interview, we sit down with one of the founders of Seven, an eatery in the heart of Uccle, Sasha Litvine, to gain insight into their mission of empowering neighborhoods through the culinary arts. Delving into their values and aspirations, we uncover how this new establishment contributes to the well-being of the community.

Question 1: How important is the safety and security of the front area of your café to you? Have you taken any measures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for your customers?

Sasha: Our café is located in a quiet, highly secure residential area. And we want our establishment to inspire these qualities too. We make sure that the terrace and products on the counter are pleasing to the eye and well protected. What’s more, the space has been designed to be spacious and family-friendly. Bright and comfortable to make customers feel at home.

Question 2: How do you see cafes and bars influencing foot traffic and attracting people to explore the neighborhood further?

Sasha: Personally, I think that more and more people are looking for new places, offering a different concept in an aesthetically unique location. Regardless of the region, people are willing to make the journey to live a new experience. We've seen this with Seven, which is located in a very residential area, but still attracts a lot of tourists and inhabitants of other neighborhoods of Brussels.

Question 3: In what ways have you observed your eatery fostering a sense of community among residents and visitors? Can you provide any specific examples or anecdotes?

Sasha: We have developed a very loyal clientele. For example, we have two customers who come in almost every day. They have become very good friends of ours by now. We are also known as a meeting place for families or dog owners.

Question 4: Have you ever collaborated with other local businesses or organizations to create a more vibrant and connected community atmosphere? If so, can you describe any successful partnerships.

Sasha: Yes, we have already organized a work-out and brunch in partnership with the Animo gym to mark the launch of a limited edition activewear range. This brought together Seven and Animo customers who were looking to build relationships with like-minded people. 

Question 5: Have you noticed any positive changes in the neighborhood since opening your eatery? How do you believe the presence of cafes and bars on the streets can contribute to a safer environment and discourage antisocial behavior?

Sasha: We have detected that the neighborhood has become much more vibrant. Indeed, this has revitalized the commune of Uccle. I don't think, however, that it will contribute to making the neighborhood any safer, given that Edith Cavell is already a very quiet area.

Question 6: Can you share your personal experience of owning an eatery on a street? How has it contributed to the development of the neighborhood and the local community? How do you believe the presence of cafes and bars on the streets can stimulate economic growth in the area?

Sasha: We're lucky enough to be located on a busy shopping street. This helps us enormously when we run out of product, as we can rely on the local shops to restock. We also collaborate with the Fine Bakery patisserie on the next street, so we're happy to be able to contribute to their business and success. Besides, we provide a variety of vacancies to the labor market of Brussels, ranging from student jobs to full-time positions in the management department. I believe that the footfall has significantly increased since our opening. Before our establishment, a florist had commenced operations in the adjacent space. However, they faced some challenges initiating their enterprise due to a lack of customer base. Our establishment opened months after their launch, and during our interactions, they expressed that our presence indeed has positively impacted their business.

Question 7: Can you share any examples of how your café has become or is planning to become a gathering place for residents or a hub for local artists and performers? How does this contribute to the cultural development and vibrancy of the neighborhood?

Sasha: We've noticed that seven has become a meeting point for many customers. Rue Edith Cavell is home to quality businesses such as Wittamear, a florist, Animo, and now Seven. It's becoming a destination. We've noticed that two shops had been for rent for a long time, and since the opening of seven, they've been snapped up by a clothing brand and a famous tattoo artist. We, therefore, believe that the neighborhood will continue to grow in popularity and development.

The story of Seven displays the profound effect that small businesses can have on urban communities. As we conclude our Café Chronicles journey, we are reminded of the essential role that these unique ventures play in empowering neighborhoods and facilitating a sense of community spirit. It became evident that the owner of the eatery recognizes their critical role of ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for their cherished customers.

Taking cues from Jane Jacobs' influential work, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," the storekeepers and other small businessmen are typically strong proponents of peace and order themselves. They hate broken windows and holdups. They hate having customers made nervous about safety. They are great street watchers and sidewalk guardians if present in sufficient numbers. They emphasize the notion that active streets, bustling with small businesses and engaged pedestrians, contribute to a safer neighborhood overall.” (Jacobs, 1961). Through these efforts, small businesses like Seven exemplify their dedication to preserving the harmony and safety that define thriving urban communities, serving as pillars of security within their respective neighborhoods.