I happened upon Dandelion – a new to me restaurant last month in Hendersonville, NC. My sister and brother in law were in town, I had a hair appointment in Hendersonville and offered to take them to lunch if they wanted to tag along and hang out downtown while I got my hair beautified. They took me up on the offer and I found a place to eat that sounded perfect.
Perfect it was and I now have a new favorite place to stop for a bite when I am in Hendersonville.
Dandelion is a job training program that is associated with Safelight – a nonprofit agency that provides support for survivors of interpersonal violence, sexual assault and child abuse. According to their website Dandelion is described as follows:
Our internship program provides job training for survivors of violence and provides an educational and supportive environment for those who may be at risk.
Participants gain experience and strengthen interpersonal skills while receiving additional services for themselves and their families.
These internships help create financial stability for trauma survivors while building workforce development within our community.
While we were in the restaurant it was busy. There was a constant flow of customers, service was efficient and the food we ate was really tasty. 
I loved the set up and the atmosphere of the restaurant was upbeat and happy. The servers and cooks all were gracious and had smiles on their faces. Different areas of the restaurant had items for sale that reflected the mission of Dandelion and Safelight.
The menu featured a lot of great options and the fresh ingredients and innovative recipes made our platefuls of food a delight to eat. I suspect that the place can get really busy at times and service might be slower but the day we visited we were served quickly and the food was wonderfully prepared. The fact that we were actually in a training restaurant with a purpose of helping those in unsafe domestic situations was the icing on the cake so to speak. How could I not be excited about supporting this place?
If you are even in the Hendersonville area this is a must stop for a meal. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. You can find Dandelion at 127 5th Ave W., Hendersonville, NC. Not only do they serve meals at the restaurant but they also offer a catering service. You can call directly for more information at 828.595.9365.
My favorite thing? Probably this dandelion sculpture made of cotton swabs. Cute idea, right?
15 Comments
Leave a commentI love places like this and these programs are so important. I worked for the Boys and Girls Clubs of North America and we placed youth at risk in places like this to gain work experience and become self sufficient. A great meal, fab environment and helping a good cause, what’s not to like. Glad you found this and near your home too. xo
Boys and Girls Club is another wonderful cause, isn’t it? I love their mission and know that they really do make a huge difference in the lives of those who are associated with them. I can see you working for them!
It was an amazing seven years and it was a priveldge to work for such a fine organization.
Thanks Beth! The q tip dandelion is a delight- and an example of transformation!
Isn’t it adorable? And yes–transformation indeed on so many levels!
I love everything about this restaurant from the art to the decor to the uplifting words to its message to its purpose. Thank you for showing us Dandelion. What an absolutely creative way to help survivors of domestic violence. To the people behind this, thank you. To the brave women who broke free, know how strong and loved you are.
P.S. I absolutely LOVE that Dandelion t-shirt.
Yep. It’s a win win win win in all ways, isn’t it? I knew this post would resonate with you and yes–that t-shirt is pretty darn wonderful, isn’ t it?
How cool is this!? There should be one of these restaurants in every town. I’ve never heard of such a thing before, I would eat there once a week if I lived close enough to. Oh yeah, I’m a huge fan of that shirt too, I’m sure the wife would like to rock one.
It is such a great idea and helps the people working there as well as the community. The idea is pretty simple -helping others- so how could that not be a good idea?
This is such a great concept and if the food is good so much the better. Looks like you found another gem!
It really is a great concept and I suspect their catering business is a real winner as well. What we ate that day was really good and I am already looking forward to my next visit.
Cute sculpture!
Isn’ t it? I love it!
Thanks for this post, Beth Ann! I, too, love that t-shirt! We should go there with Lali!
What a great place! And I have to agree the Q-tip dandelion sculpture is so cute.