Founders Café

Founders Café Founders Café is a charming establishment committed to bringing joy through delicious food. Owned by Maria and her partner, the café features a diverse menu filled with fresh, healthy options crafted from high-quality ingredients. Every aioli and dressing is made in-house from scratch, along with daily-baked desserts and soups. The café emphasizes local and responsible sourcing whenever possible and offers only organic, free-trade coffees and teas. With ample indoor seating and an outdoor patio for enjoyment on pleasant days, Founders Café caters to different dining preferences. They also provide delivery for orders over a minimum amount and offer call-ahead service for those in a rush. Their catering services can accommodate private parties or large lunches, showcasing their readiness to handle events of any size.

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Recent social media posts

09/01/2026

LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOURS-
Founders will be closed on Saturday, September 5th and Monday, September 7th to observe the Labor Day weekend holiday.
See you Tuesday!

08/31/2026

OOPS! LABOR DAY IS NEXT WEEK
ONE MORE WEEK OF SUMMER
Aug. 31 - Sept. 4, 2026

This will be the last week for Lobster Rolls, Pizza Paninis, Grilled Kielbasa, and Gazpacho. Our outside patio will be put away soon too.

Specials:
Pizza Panini- Genoa Salami, Mozzarella, Basil and Sauce on a toasted Panini Roll.

Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Grilled Kielbasa Hoagie - Grilled Kielbasa, Roasted Red Peppers. Caramelized Onions, BBQ Sauce on a toasted Hoagie

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

08/24/2026

LAST WEEK FOR LOBSTER (AND SUMMER
SPECIALS)
Aug. 24 - 28, 2026

This will be the last week for Lobster Rolls, Pizza Paninis, Grilled Kielbasa, and Gazpacho. Our outside patio will be put away soon too.

Specials:
Pizza Panini- Genoa Salami, Mozzarella, Basil and Sauce on a toasted Panini Roll.

Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Grilled Kielbasa Hoagie - Grilled Kielbasa, Roasted Red Peppers. Caramelized Onions, BBQ Sauce on a toasted Hoagie

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

08/17/2026

THURSDAY IS NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY!
Aug. 17-21, 2026

So in addition to it being National Panini Month, Bacon Lovers Day is this Thursday. (But you know we celebrate both all year long.)

Specials:
Pizza Panini- Genoa Salami, Mozzarella, Basil and Sauce on a toasted Panini Roll.

Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Grilled Kielbasa Hoagie - Grilled Kielbasa, Roasted Red Peppers. Caramelized Onions, BBQ Sauce on a toasted Hoagie

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

08/03/2026

PRICE INCREASES
Aug. 3-7, 2026

Please be aware that increasing costs of food, coffee, and delivery charges have made it necessary for us to increase pricing here.

Specials:
Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Grilled Kielbasa Hoagie - Grilled Kielbasa, Roasted Red Peppers. Caramelized Onions, BBQ Sauce on a toasted Hoagie

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

07/27/2026

I’M (WE’RE) BACK!!!

July 27-31, 2026

Maria and I both made it back from our cruise. It was GREAT! (So whoever bet the over can collect.)

Specials:
Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Grilled Kielbasa Hoagie - Grilled Kielbasa, Roasted Red Peppers. Caramelized Onions, BBQ Sauce on a toasted Hoagie

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

07/06/2026

Founders Closed Saturdays in July
July 6-10, 2026

Maria and I are going on our annual vacation. (Don’t miss us too much!)

Specials:
Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- French Onion, Gazpacho

06/29/2026

FOUNDERS CLOSED SATURDAYS IN JULY
June 29 - July 3, 2026

This Saturday for the 4th of July. The next three for Maria and my annual vacation. (Don’t miss us too much!)

Specials:
Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Jambalaya, Gazpacho

06/22/2026

BURRATA - I GOTTA
BACON - I’VE MAKIN
BELLY OF PORK -IN THE STORE
June 22-26, 2026

Same as last week. Except I made my (World Famous in Rochester) Bacon!

Specials:
Burrata and Roasted Tomato Salad - A half salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata, and Olive Oil.

Lobster Rolls - Fresh Lobster Salad on a bed of Romaine topped with Celery Salt on a Buttered, Toasted Hot Dog Bun. Served with a wedge of Lemon.

Roasted Beet Salad - Sweet Roasted Beets, Crumbled Feta, and Walnuts on a bed of Spring Mix. Served with EVOO and Balsamic.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends Sandwich - Tender Smoked Pork Belly, Caramelized Onions, and Barbecue Sauce on a toasted Ciabatta roll.

Shrimp Po’ Boy - Cajun Shrimp, Chipotle Bacon Aioli, on a toasted Hoagie Roll with Lettuce and Tomato.

Rod Stewart - Herb Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, and Pesto on a Panini Roll.

Dirty Bird - Herb Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing melted on Sourdough.

SOUPS:
Monday- Matzo Ball, Gazpacho
Tuesday- Tomato Basil, Gazpacho
Wednesday- Italian Wedding, Gazpacho
Thursday- Creamy Sausage Tortellini, Gazpacho
Friday- Chili, Gazpacho

06/18/2026

OPEN JUNETEENTH
June 19, 2026

Just a heads up that Founders will be open Juneteenth (June 19th) regular hours. Depending on how things go, we may close early.

Address

13 S Fitzhugh Street
New York, NY
14614

To reach your destination at S Fitzhugh Street in New York, you have a couple of options for transportation:

**Public Transport:**
1. **Subway:**
- Take the **2 or 5 train** to the **Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport station**.
- From there, transfer to the **Q6 bus** towards Jamaica and get off at the nearest stop on S Fitzhugh Street.

2. **Bus:**
- You can also take the **Q24 or Q41 bus** directly to S Fitzhugh Street. Check local schedules for exact routes and times.

**Driving/Parking:**
1. If you're driving, head towards S Fitzhugh Street via major thoroughfares like the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678).
2. Look for street parking options along S Fitzhugh Street or nearby streets. There may also be parking garages in the vicinity if street parking is unavailable.

Make sure to check traffic conditions and public transport schedules before you head out!

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+15857701721

Alerts

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What people say

At Founders Café, the passion for food shines through every dish on the menu. Maria and her team have crafted a delightful experience that prioritizes fresh, healthy, and flavorful offerings. With an extensive selection that includes specialty coffee and tea, paninis, sandwiches, wraps, salads, grain bowls, and baked goods, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

What sets Founders Café apart is their commitment to quality. Every aioli and dressing is made from scratch right in-house, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor. The café also takes pride in baking all their desserts and preparing soups daily, showcasing a dedication to freshness that is hard to find elsewhere. Sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly further enhances the quality of their dishes while supporting the community.

For those looking for convenience without sacrificing taste, Founders Café offers free delivery (with a minimum order) and a call-ahead option for quick pickups. Whether you're dining in the cozy interior or enjoying the outdoor patio when weather permits, you’ll feel welcomed by the inviting atmosphere.

Additionally, Founders Café is equipped to handle catering needs for private parties or larger events—having successfully catered lunches for up to 250 people! This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for any gathering.

In summary, Founders Café is not just about serving food; it's about creating happiness through delicious meals made with love and care. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or planning a special event, you can expect nothing less than exceptional service and mouthwatering dishes at this charming café on S Fitzhugh Street.