Birt’s Bistro, surprise arizona restaurant, on the Benevilla campus has always been a favorite of the community not only for their food but for their relationship with the community. Many may not know Birt’s Bistro is technically a social enterprise. Why is social enterprise so important to our community? A social enterprise is a revenue-generating business with a twist. Whether operated by a non-profit organization like Benevilla or by a for-profit company, a social enterprise has one main goal to champion social, cultural, community, economic or environmental causes.
On the surface, Birt’s Bistro may look, feel, and even operate like a traditional business. But looking more deeply, one discovers the defining difference of the social enterprise from a standard business. Its mission or the core of its business is to support and finance a social cause. That cause is the work Benevilla does in the community.
This importance of supporting the Benevilla mission of “Enriching Lives” has become even more evident during our current pandemic crisis. Birt’s Bistro, its ancillary operations and all its business is directed at supporting the programs and services Benevilla offers to our West Valley community. These include programs like Free Home Services offering free grocery shopping services, assisted transportation to medical appointments, emergency errands, light handyman services as well as phone and wellness checks. Other free programs including caregiver support groups, educational workshops and events and the C.A.R.E.S. (Community Assistance, Resources, Education and Support) resource program also benefit from the support of Birt’s Bistro. Unlike other businesses, Birt’s Bistro is not driven by the need to deliver profit to shareholders and/or owners.
Recently, the restaurant opened curbside, take-out meal services as well as Birt’s Market, a one stop store for basic food and home essentials needed by seniors and the general public as they shelter at home during the uncertainties of this COVID-19 pandemic. Here you can find household necessities, food staples, beer & wine as well as signature “to go” ready-to-make breakfast, lunch and dinner kits, all for curbside pick up within 24 hours.
As a social enterprise, Birt’s Bistro excels in its mission to support the programs and services Benevilla provides to enrich the lives of West Valley older adults, adults with disabilities, children and the families who care for them. Their motto is “Birt’s Bistro is building community, one plate at a time.”
Birt’s Bistro is located on the main Benevilla campus at the Hellen & John M. Jacobs Independence Plaza, 16752 N. Greasewood Street in Surprise