Nestled on the southside of Hemming Park, The Magnificat Cafe has been a staple in Downtown Jacksonville for almost two decades. Like many Jacksonville-originals, the humble surroundings give way to some of the most succulent culinary creations you’ll find in the River City. Owners Kathy and Benoit Desclefs treat customers like family – elevating quiches, soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and desserts to otherworldly-goodness. However unbelievably delicious their food is, Kathy and Benoit are facing significant financial struggles and are in danger of losing everything after mother, father, and 17-year old son Luke, who also works in the restaurant, have all been given diagnoses of cancer. The three members of the Desclefs family are all fighting their own tough physical battles while they struggle to keep their livelihood – the family-run restaurant – open.
Eddie and Chuck Farah know the Magnificat well, after all the restaurant is only a few blocks away from their Downtown Jacksonville office. “The turkey, cranberry, and brie melt is an absolute favorite, like Thanksgiving on a sandwich, only way better” remarks Chuck relishing the memory. “Seeing the Desclefs and The Magnificat Cafe in trouble was something we couldn’t just watch happen”, Eddie added.
After seeing their plight, Eddie and Chuck felt in their gut the need to take action. In an effort to not only come alongside the Desclefs and the Magnificat with financial support, the Farah brothers wanted to get the word out for new customers to try the restaurant’s delicious food. With that mission in mind, from December 9th through December 13th, Eddie and Chuck are pledging $10,000 as a donation match for all sales at the restaurant to benefit the Desclefs family in what we’re calling the MagnifiMATCH event. “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the love and support from our community and especially Farah and Farah” said Kathy Desclefs after Eddie and Chuck told her the plans for MagnifiMATCH.
What: MagnifiMATCH
When: 12/9 to 12/13 from 11am-2:30pm each day
Where: The Magnificat Cafe
After 40 years in Downtown Jacksonville, Farah and Farah has continually acted on a commitment to making Downtown a vibrant, welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. The Magnificat Cafe and small businesses like it are vital pieces of the puzzle towards making Downtown a place where people want to live, work, and play. Moreover, Farah and Farah’s whole mission is in support of those struggling through tough times and standing up for the underdog when it seems all the cards are stacked against them. “We see MagnifiMATCH as a way for us to give back to the community that we call home,” says Eddie. “Protecting families is what we’ve done since we opened our doors here 40 years ago and this is just one small way we can keep up that fight”.
We hope that you can come out to The Magnificat Cafe anytime Monday through Friday of next week to show your support and try some of the best food you can find in all of Jacksonville, but if you can’t make it to the MagnifiMATCH event, you can still give to the Desclefs Family Cancer Fund by clicking here.
