Muse Bar+Bistro Archives | South Lake Tablet

Business Spotlight Shines On MUSE Fights Hunger

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:58:18 +0000

Every Monday the charity Muse Fights Hunger takes over the Muse Bar&Bistro, located at 2385 S US-27, Clermont, and invites anyone to come in for a great meal at absolutely no cost to them. Donations are accepted but not required.

A different 3-course menu is offered and the menu changes from week to week. The goal is Dignity Through Service.

Jennifer Powers Straub – Founder

Aaron Straub – Founder

Mondays are staffed with the owners of the restaurant, Aaron Straub and his wife Jennifer Powers-Straub along with their charitable program director Desiree Haiflich.

Together with volunteers that sign up on their website www.musebarbistro.com they are able to give families in the community a delicious meal at no cost.

Muse Bar&Bistro Program Director Desiree Haiflich Describes How It Works:

“With amazing past support from supplier partners, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce in Clermont, Rep. Taylor Yarkosly District 25, as well as many small donations from the community, we have been able to serve the food insecure every Monday since our opening. Part of every dollar spent at Muse Bar&Bistro goes toward feeding our community on Community Day Mondays with Muse Fights Hunger. We are also working with other local charities to find transportation for those families that cannot get to us and our ultimate goal is to have a food truck that can go into these communities to bring great meals to those that need them.

The magnificent core of volunteers are the heart of the efforts, however, anyone who shares the goals of dignity through service in the community are welcome. The volunteer times are available to anyone who is interested, and everyone is welcome.

Along with typical volunteers are some with special needs. Watching them grow and learn new skills is one of the best parts of this job. Watching parents be surprised at what their children can do. As a special-needs mom myself, I love having hands-on relationships with all of our families, volunteers and patrons. Most don’t know the struggle special needs families go through and how hard it is to make ends meet with all the therapies let alone extras like going to dinner. Muse Bar+Bistro offers a welcoming environment for all every Community Day Monday. Families can gather and relax and not worry about paying a large bill for an evening out with their families.

Our vocational training program is for adults in the community with special needs. We welcome the inaugural trainees in late January. We are partnered with the State of Florida, Special Olympics, and U.C.F C.A.R.D to provide paid training opportunities, as well as placement support for these amazing individuals.

Adults with disabilities tend to be stuck in positions such as grocery baggers, dishwashers and bussers. With our program, those that are capable and earnest in learning more will have the opportunity to earn the hospitality restaurant world from the bottom up. They will work and learn each position in the restaurant with the goal of finding their passion for this career. As we build relationships with other like-minded business owners in the community the goal is to have them go through the program and to find full-time placement in their future career where they can continue their learning and also have a full-time position.”

Chef Bob

Below is a sample of the weekly menu.

MUSE
FIGHTS HUNGER

Community Day
MONDAY MENU
11 am-8 pm

Starter
Vegetable Soup
Entree Choice
Spaghetti & Meatballs with Garlic Biscuits
Or
Spaghetti & Marinara with Garlic Biscuits
Dessert
Cookie Bars
Beverage Selections
Pepsi Products
Iced Tea (Sweet and Unsweet)
Orange Juice
Fruit Punch
Hot Coffee / Hot Tea

Come see the great work that Muse Fights Hunger is doing and trying to accomplish in South Lake County, Clermont. To learn more visit the Muse Bar&Bistro at 2385 S US-27, Clermont. Call (352)227-3020 or visit their website at MuseBar&Bistro

Learn more by visiting MUSE OPENING

The post Business Spotlight Shines On MUSE Fights Hunger appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Muse Brings Food And Dignity To The Homeless Each Monday

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:45:15 +0000

Muse Fights Hunger for the 1 in 6 Central Floridians with food insecurity thru the
generous donations of our volunteers, and community partners, providing time, products
and funding for this weekly event.

Every Monday our Community Day welcomes anyone from the community to come to enjoy
delicious house-made 3-course menus for free. We are focused on providing delicious food, but also the dignity that being served brings in a Bistro setting. No payment is requested or required. All are welcome to ioin with the community to support the mission.

Dine, volunteer, donate, or be a part of your community every Monday.

Visit The Muse at 2385 South Highway 27, Clermont (formerly Beers of the World) or for further information call 352-227-3020, info@musebarbistro.com, or https://musebarbistro.com

The post The Muse Brings Food And Dignity To The Homeless Each Monday appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Business Spotlight Shines On Muse Bar+Bistro and The Straub Family Foundation

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:21:05 +0000

Aaron Straub, a co owner of Muse Bar + Bistro and Founder of The Straub Family Foundation proudly announced the Grand Opening of Muse Bar + Bistro! on Saturday, September 24. The newest restaurant is located at 2385 S. Hwy 27, previously “World of Beers”. The restaurant has been remodeled, with a new “Pay It Forward” concept.

THE MUSE BAR + BISTRO VIDEO

Last Tuesday, I met with Aaron to find out more about the restaurant and the Foundation.

Tablet: Everyone is excited about the newest restaurant in Clermont and itS charity concept.

Aaron Straub

Aaron: We are currently in the process of opening this unique restaurant/charity concept. We have been awed and strengthened by all the support from the public, our vendor partners, as well as the amazing Team we are gathering to assist in our mission. Our first goal is to offer truly outstanding food, wines, and service. With Chef Bob’s stunning menu and our culinary team using the best foods and ingredients sourced locally, and worldwide, it has been wonderful seeing these dishes and vision take shape.

South Lake Tablet: Tell me about the Straub Family Foundation

Aaron: In 1986 my family moved to the Central Florida area. When I was a young adult, I put on a backpack and hiked across Europe enjoying the journey. I stayed in Europe for years, working in the Hospitality Industry. The Netherland had an interesting concept, “Pay it Forward”, where a cup of coffee, was paid forward with a cup of coffee. The concept inspired me and evolved into my vision, and my vision into a concept and now, reality is close at hand.

South Lake Tablet: Describe your vision/ concept and how it works

We have three charitable efforts: We will be offering vocational spaces for those wishing to enter the Hospitality Industry. These Trainees will come from a variety of backgrounds. Our two initial Trainees come to us from two places. One is a rescued traffic victim who has spent some time in a halfway house and is now ready to engage in training for a future in the workplace. The second is an Adult with a high-functioning mental disability. Both have been engaged through the Charities that have supported them.

Community Days will be held each Monday. Those who are food insecure in the community can come and enjoy a meal free of charge, and those that wish to support our goals can lend their time, resources, or skills to help.

TABLET: Aren’t you concerned about people taking advantage of a free meal at a nice restaurant?

Aaron: With the vision comes a belief in people. Sure there will be those who take advantage of Community Days but I believe most who take advantage will do what they can to help and pay it forward. All our vendors are pleased to help support the project.

Tablet: Describe the Team

Chef Bob Statler

Aaron – Chef Bob and I have a combined 70 years in the Hospitality Industry. Both of us and the rest of the team are committed to offering all the staff strong wages, and benefits such as complimentary life insurance, and matching 401k, beyond Health, Dental, and Vision offerings.

The Rest of the Administrative Team:

1 of 2

Thank you Aaron for a wonderful interview and your passion to help the community.

To see the menu and learn more, visit their website www.musebarbistro.com

The post Business Spotlight Shines On Muse Bar+Bistro and The Straub Family Foundation appeared first on South Lake Tablet.