Our Story

The Garden Cafe is the creation of Damien Hopkins from California and Xiomara Díaz from Managua who in 2007 as young dreamers saw the need for healthy food as well as sustainable job generation in Granada, Nicaragua.

"After graduating with degrees in International Relations, we decided to start the business.  With lots of hard work and determination we were able to remodel a beautiful old Spanish Colonial home and turn it into the charming cafe we had dreamed of."  The arduous task of house make-over was completed and the restaurant opened its doors for the first time on August 13th, 2007 with 4 people in the team.

Today The Garden Cafe generates 30 full-time, year-long jobs which positively impact over 100 family members. TGC is also able to dynamize the economy of over 80 key, local providers and add value to the local community through the different social impact programs it supports.

"At The Garden Cafe we strive to provide a meaningful experience for everyone: our customers, our staff, our providers and our community."

"No business can do well for its shareholders without first doing well by all the people its business touches."

Our Mission:

The Garden Cafe is in business to serve fresh, honest food and to disrupt the cycle of poverty by generating opportunities that help our team and community grow.

We do so by creating nourishing food, relationships, creative spaces and by executing impactful actions that intentionally promote and support the sustainable  development of our country.

Our Values:

Dignity: across our company: customers, staff, providers and community. All humans deserve dignity in every aspect of life.

Integrity: in all of our actions; small and big.

Respect: for all human beings and nature.

Quality: in all of our products, services and policies.

Passion: in our daily lives and work.

Disruptivity: we constantly question the status quo and disrupt it in order to bring positive impact to our community.

Our Promise:

We promise to provide you with a quality experience, if we’re not, please let us know! We promise to make it right!