Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight – Donna’s Charles Village

Donna’s Charles Village got this year’s Neighborhood Institute off to a great start with hot coffee and an array of delicious baked goods. Thank you again for your support. 

Tell us a bit about Donna’s, how long have you been in Charles Village and how did you come to be in this neighborhood?

Donna’s has been around since 2001. The flagship location was located in Mt. Vernon but it has since expanded to locations like Charles Village. Around the time of its inception, it was not easy for people in Baltimore to get good coffee, bread, or natural foods. The woman who started Donnas’s visited Italy and saw all of the great food and drink they had available. It became her vision to bring those same things to Baltimore.

What do you love about being located in the Greater Homewood area?

The sense of community in Greater Homewood is incredible. The majority of people I work with are my neighbors, and we all walk to work together. There are many customers we know by name, which adds to the sense of community. Donna’s maintains a close and friendly relationship with the other businesses close by. When in need, the local businesses all support each other (borrowing food and supplies). This type of friendly atmosphere among direct competitors is rare.

Why is it important to you to support the work that Greater Homewood is doing and sponsor the Neighborhood Institute?

We have a spoken rule at Donna’s- we only donate and support organizations that work in the neighborhood. After doing some research we found that GHCC’s mission and program were completely in line with our own values. We feel that there needs to be organizations that support those in the community in need. GHCC is that kind of place.

We know that you have a few different locations, what is special about the Charles Village restaurant?

What is unique about the Charles Village restaurant is the bond between customers and employees (all neighbors). Customers feel like they are having dinner with family and friends. Chef Andy Thomas has been in the area for twenty years, and has many connections throughout the community.  This close relationship allows Donna’s to provide the people in the neighborhood just what they are looking for.

Do you have any exciting new menu items coming in the spring and summer?

During the summer, Donna’s uses local produce to create seasonal favorites like Cherry Tomato Salad, Watermelon Salad, and Stuffed Squash. Donna’s is the type of restaurant that remains affordable while providing high quality local food. Donna’s has brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and specials most days of the week, including $3 tacos on Tuesdays. Come check it out!

For More Information on Donna’s – http://donnas.com/charlesvillage/