A ribbon cutting highlighted Hope Cafe, 701 South Royal Street, Thursday, but it’s the women who work at the restaurant looking to make the most of a second chance.

“We are a treatment center – a faith-based treatment center for women that are caught in the cycle of addiction,” said Marcie Hendrick, executive director Hope Recovery Center – Women of Hope, “We’re long term, actually 12 months, a year before they graduate and we love these women and we know we’ve all made bad choices, but it’s a place where you can come and turn your life around and have a second chance.”

Marcie said the cafe gives the women a safe place to work, and they are also paid.

Hope Cafe is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday.

(PHOTO: Hope Cafe, 710 South Royal Street)