A midtown Memphis staple, Café Eclectic has set a new standard for sustainable practices, particularly in its approach to food waste. Café Eclectic was the second restaurant to become PGF-certified in Memphis and, as a Challenge Champion in the Project Green Fork 901 Save the Food Restaurant Challenge, the establishment remains dedicated to refining its approach to surplus ingredients and kitchen excess.
During the initial waste assessment conducted by the PGF team, Café Eclectic revealed insights that sparked its proactive approach. A comprehensive review sorted the restaurant’s scraps into edible, inedible, plate waste, compost, recycling, and landfill categories, and results showed that reduction strategies could impact up to 19% of the assessed materials. PGF identified opportunities for the eatery to revamp its handling of surplus food, urging the restaurant to explore innovative ways to repurpose and utilize various ingredients that were previously discarded.
Bread ends and imperfect slices dominated its edible waste. PGF suggested repurposing these items, recognizing their potential for creative reinterpretation. In a similar vein, Café Eclectic discovered that remaining melon rinds and pepper scraps contained usable portions that could be salvaged and incorporated into other dishes or beverages, preventing unnecessary disposal.
Following the waste assessment, Café Eclectic promptly took action by implementing targeted measures to address its waste generation. Notably, it proactively invited the PGF team to engage with the management team, reflecting Café Eclectic’s commitment to a collaborative approach in tackling food waste challenges. Staff training became a cornerstone, empowering its team with knowledge and techniques to maximize ingredient utilization. Additionally, a significant focus was placed on donation initiatives, ensuring that food items deemed appropriate were redirected to those in need, cultivating a sense of community engagement while minimizing excess.
The impact of these efforts is fostering an eco-friendly mindset. Café Eclectic isn’t merely reducing surplus food – it is redefining its culinary landscape. By repurposing ingredients that were once overlooked, it is crafting new experiences and contributing to a more sustainable culture.
The 901 Save the Food Restaurant Challenge embodies a lifestyle shift, creating opportunities for restaurants to weave sustainability into everyday operations and transform discarded items into innovative dishes. Each scrap represents possibilities for resourceful reimagining.
Through this ongoing commitment to waste reduction and mindful food management, Café Eclectic is championing a cause beyond its kitchen doors. The team is inspiring a community to rethink its relationship with food, one creative idea at a time.
