Nomad Cafe - A Community Hub

Writing by Danielle Silverman

There is no doubt Ridgewood is experiencing a rebirth and one of the relatively new and unsung stars on the scene is Nomad Cafe and Eatery. 

Opened four years ago by locals Cameron Davidhazy and Jacquiline Reale, Nomad Cafe and Eatery has become a fixture for those in need of good coffee and pastries, friendly banter with the owners, or a quiet place to read or work. It is decidedly not pretentious. “We want people to feel comfortable and not feel worried about the type of coffee they order.” Jacquie explained, “We just want to brighten people’s days.” They aim to create a sense of community in Ridgewood and within their team, hiring friendly, capable people and paying them a good wage.

But this neighborhood favorite almost didn’t make it through COVID.

It shut down for four months in the spring/summer of 2020 as COVID brought its wrath to Queens and beyond. The following months were stressful as Cam and Jacquie figured out how to keep their dream afloat. They tried to keep the community vibe going by sharing the café’s beloved playlist on Spotify, which features an eclectic mix of music from around the world.  They sent dozens of emails seeking loans and other support. 

Fortunately, as part of the regular community outreach he does as a business recovery specialist for the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Giancarlo Diaz walked into the restaurant to meet Cam and Jacquie and offer support. 

Giancarlo let them know about the NYC Small Business Network which provides personalized guidance and resources for New York City small businesses. They applied for and received a grant from the Depository Trust Clearing Corp. They used the grant to enhance their outdoor seating area, a necessity during COVID’s long reign. “It’s a lovely little neighborhood place, I’ve gone on dates there, picked up a coffee before meeting with friends. I’m glad I could help a place I was already familiar with,” said Giancarlo.

For Cam and Jacquie, who seamlessly finish each other’s sentences, they finally had some wind at their back. The community did their part too, flowing into the restaurant for coffee and pastries- an oasis of friendly faces and warmth during a stressful time. 

The café is a community hub. Moms and kids in strollers. Students studying. High schoolers laughing with friends. And a new breed of customer – businesspeople working on their laptops, who no longer need to commute every day to an office. 

For now, the Nomad serves breakfast and savory pastries, but Cam said they are hoping to stay open later and serve desserts soon. They want to grow but maintain the friendly environment and personal touch.  When asked the most popular dish on the menu, Cam and Jacquie replied together – the Cheddar Smash Browns – a concoction invented by the owners, together. I had the avocado toast and loved it.

All and all, Cam and Jacquie show that a dream, determination, a little luck and some well-timed helped from the QCC and SBRN can create an oasis in a bustling neighborhood in Queens. 

Jacquie summed up the café’s warm feelings: “If you can make someone’s day, you might as well.”