History of The Light House Bistro

The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center's Board of Directors envisioned that 202 West Street, the site of the original Light House Shelter, could create jobs for Light House graduates by repurposing the building into an advanced Culinary Training Center, Bistro, Coffee Bar and home for Bistro Catering. Four much needed permanent supportive apartments for Light House residents were added on the second floor.

In keeping with The Light House mission of reclaiming lives, the interior of the building uses fixtures and materials that are repurposed and reclaimed. The wood walls are replaned floor joists from the original building. The Bistro Chairs are refinished 1950's Naval Academy chairs used by Plebes in the USNA dining hall. The pendulum lights are from an old Pepco plant in Baltimore. The bar stools, tables and waiting benches are handcrafted from reclaimed barns. The artifacts around the Bistro are from Bowen's Farm Supply in Annapolis. The seating next to the old brick wall is an original pew from St. Anne's church where The Light House began almost 30 years ago.

During the three years of planning and construction of the Bistro people from all parts of the community came together to make this project happen. On February 27, 2017 we opened our doors to the public with 45 graduates of The Light House B.E.S.T. Programs trained and eager to both provide a superb dining experience and build belief in what is possible. In the same tradition as Buddy Levy's grocery store located in this building in the mid 20th century where people from all walks of life gathered, we hope The Light House Bistro will continue to be a unique neighborhood spot where all people in the community can have a seat at the table. 

Light House Bistro Fall Update

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Many of our supporters have asked about Light House Bistro—how are we doing and when we will reopen?

We like to think we never closed! Clearly the environment has changed but we are active seven days a week and remain mission focused. While we have limited public food operations at the moment, Light House Bistro has absorbed the entirety of The Light House food insecure operations—feeding residents, community clients, and managing pantry distribution, which allows us to continue to provide training opportunities despite the restaurant closure.

Since March we have prepared and delivered over 40,000 meals to vulnerable populations, including:

  • Over 90 meals daily for our homeless neighbors housed by AACo in hotels

  • 125 meals daily for vulnerable individuals through a contract with the AACo Department of Aging and Disabilities

  • 50 meals daily for residents at The Light House

  • Management of all other Light House food programs, including our drive-thru and walk-up pantry, and other food distribution needs

  • Participating in "Feed Anne Arundel"

  • 50 casserole dishes weekly to food insecure programs throughout AACo

  • Supporting Friends of The Light House events with meals and special promotional products

  • Catering services for Schooner Woodwind and other private events

  • Selling Light House Bistro signature retail products including granola, pancake kits, and jams—great as holiday gifts and stocking stuffer options so order today!

  • We continuously evaluate opening scenarios and when the time is right we hope to see you all again soon!

Thank you from all of us at Light House Bistro,

Beth Rocca, Director of Light House Bistro Social Enterprises

Light House Bistro Awarded a $75,000 MD Department of Labor Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund Grant

The Light House Bistro Workforce Development Program, a restaurant and catering social enterprise program created by The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center, has been awarded a $75,000 Maryland Department of Labor Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund (OWIF) grant. This much needed support will provide individuals who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic with job training and work opportunities at Light House Bistro. Grant funds will directly empower these individuals with the skills they need to support themselves and their families, all while connecting them seamlessly to the wraparound support, mental health care, and other support services that are vital to their recovery.

Light House Bistro chosen For the 2019 REDF Accelerator program

Light House Bistro was one of 18 organizations from across the country chosen to participate in the 2019 REDF Accelerator program. One fellow from each of these 18 employment-focused social enterprises was selected to participate in a 7-month training that advances their learning and deepens their peer connections.

General Manager, Beth Rocca, was chosen as the Accelerator fellow for Light House Bistro. In November 2018, she attended the first Accelerator program training module in Chicago, IL. While at the training, Rocca began building powerful peer networks and participated in a specialized curriculum focused on strengthening social enterprises. “Being a part of REDF is an exciting new step for Light House Bistro,” shared Rocca. “In order for our social enterprise business to continue to change lives in our community, we need to thrive among other for-profit businesses. The Accelerator program will not just give us the opportunity to learn more about how social missions are changing lives across the country, but will also give us valuable insight into the unique best practices and challenges that a social enterprise business like ours must navigate.”

Read the full press release here.

Light House Bistro General Manager, Chef Beth Rocca (far right), with the other 2019 REDF Accelerator fellows at their first training workshop in Chicago, IL.

Light House Bistro General Manager, Chef Beth Rocca (far right), with the other 2019 REDF Accelerator fellows at their first training workshop in Chicago, IL.

Meet our Culinary Team

Beth Rocca - General Manager

Beth Rocca brings thirty years of culinary experience in the preparation and serving of fine foods. Her training at L’ Academie de Cuisine, outside of Washington, DC, gave her the skills and desire to expand her horizons throughout the restaurant industry….

Denny Dingus - Executive Chef

With over 15 years of culinary experience and having worked in restaurants since he was 14 years old, Chef Denny has developed a love and respect for the industry. He earned a Culinary Certificate from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and worked under Chef Derek Stevens at Eleven Contemporary Kitchen….

Chip Thomas - Sous Chef

Vincent “Chip” Thomas was born in Annapolis, Maryland. Chef Chip participated in the Light House B.E.S.T program and graduated in 2015. He has since worked in several restaurants in Annapolis, working his way from line cook to management. Chip received at scholarship this year to attend AACC with the goal to further his education in the restaurant management field…

Scholarship Awarded to Light House Graduate, Vincent!

Congratulations to Light House - Homeless Prevention Support Center Culinary Employment Training Graduate and Light House Bistro Sous Chef, Vincent! Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County selected Vincent to be awarded their 2018 Scholarship through the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF). Thank you Visit Annapolis and MTEF for your continued support and for helping Vincent further his culinary education!

Photo: Vincent with Light House Employment and Training Advocate, Britnee Daniel, and Maryland Tourism Education Foundation, Inc. Executive Director, Roseanne Souza.

Photo: Vincent with Light House Employment and Training Advocate, Britnee Daniel, and Maryland Tourism Education Foundation, Inc. Executive Director, Roseanne Souza.

““My dream is to open up my own Restaurant. I know if given the opportunity, I would use my strengths and determination to obtain my degree and to further my future for myself and my family.””
— — Vincent, 2018 Scholarship Recipient

Need for transition assistance happens at all ages

Phil Burgess - Correspondent

The 50-seat Light House Bistro is more than a restaurant. It is also what some people call a “social enterprise” — a business enterprise that has social goals embedded in its business objectives.

Several months ago, I discovered the Light House Bistro at 202 West St. along with several of my bonus years friends — and a few younger ones, too. We now go to the bistro every Saturday morning for breakfast, arriving around 9:15 a.m… Read More

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Light House Reflects on Capital Gazette Tragedy

Dear Light House Community,
We are deeply saddened by the tragic event at The Capital newspaper office yesterday where five lives were taken: Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, and Wendi Winters. Our hearts go out to all the families and to our entire community which is shaken by this loss.

The Capital Gazette team works tirelessly to report on stories and issues that impact our organization and community. We honor those we have lost and the entire Capital Gazette team for their service to our community through true journalistic integrity….

Knife Skills Screening

We were so lucky to be a part of the screening of “Knife Skills” last night at the Parkway Theater in Baltimore. It was so nice to cater along side City Seeds and Paul’s Place! A room full of people giving second chances and really making a difference!