We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pre-employment customer service training to young adults with disabilities. Our Cafe is currently closed until we can be assured of a safe environment for our students and coworkers. The foundation provides training & employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Since 2004, Positive Vibe Cafe has trained over 1500 students, all with scholarships. The training program aims to prepare students for the work world and includes basic food service skills; is hands-on, builds self-confidence and readies students for real world employment.
Since 2004, Positive Vibe Cafe has trained over 1500 students, all with scholarships. The training program aims to prepare students for the work world and includes basic food service skills; is hands-on, builds self-confidence and readies students for real world employment.
Services
There's something about Positive Vibe Cafe. The delectable smells and tastes of homemade comfort-food, the golden aura emitted by the team, and the reward of charity that warms your heart. Tucked away inside a quiet shopping center off Forest Hill Avenue, you can revive your spirits at Positive Vibe Cafe while enjoying guilt-free food at guilt-free prices.
Positive Vibe Cafe was founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the Positive Vibe Foundation (formerly the Get Lost MD Foundation). Unchanged today, the Foundation and Cafe provide hands-on training and meaningful employment in food services to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.
Looking to buy tickets to Vibefest'21? We have decided not to accept prepay for admission to this event - all admissions can be purchased at the gate for $10 per person donations. We will be accepting cash and charge at that time. We look forward to seeing you soon! Donate to make a difference.
The Positive Vibe Foundation (formerly the Get Lost MD Foundation) has created an evolving model for training and employing people with disabilities in order that they enjoy the satisfaction of being gainfully employed and fully contributing members of our community.This focus will allow their confidence to self-actualize through the development of their diverse talents.
The Positive Vibe Foundation (formerly the Get Lost MD Foundation) has created an evolving model for training and employing people with disabilities in order that they enjoy the satisfaction of being gainfully employed and fully contributing members of our community.This focus will allow their confidence to self-actualize through the development of their diverse talents.
Ensure the positive vibes at your next gathering! Choose from Positive Vibe Cafe's famous appetizers, entrees and desserts, and serve your guests a complete meal that's sure to please. The Cafe also offers a fun and nutritious kids' menu to satisfy the whole party or just the kids' table. Richmond's finest chefs have come together to help support and create the most unique dining experience in the city.
Reviews (20)
Jeremy F.
Apr 18, 2020
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This is probably our new favorite local restaurant! Excellent service and atmosphere. I love the Shrimp Tacos and many other meals I have had there. Had the fried green tomatoes-very good with a slight twist with garnishments, really enjoyed them. Price is appropriate for the quality and amount provided. Positive Vibes is one of my favorite restaurants. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. This place is a keeper!
Heidi F.
Mar 10, 2020
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Pamela H.
Feb 29, 2020
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Tammy E.
Feb 21, 2020
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So this is a first for me ... I'm rating this restaurant before I taste anything . It's spacious and clean . Very inviting and warm. The hostess greeted us immediately with a smile . As I flipped through the menu I was shocked to see vegan dishes offered from Appetizers all the way through to Dinner. That's amazing .
G. M.
Feb 07, 2020
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What a cool restaurant with a cool mission. If you ever want to go to a place that is completely FILLED with awesomely nice people this is the place. Nice relaxed but upbeat atmosphere. They have a good list of live music including some cool jazz. Better than expected beer selection. I found on of my faves there that I could not most other places. Sit at the bar in regular seats, or at the bar at a barstool, or at a high top table, or at a normal table, or at a booth. They have the seating options. Did I mention the cool mission? Go. Just go.
Leah R.
Dec 28, 2019
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Maria T.
Sep 21, 2019
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The backstory on this Restaurant will renew your faith in humankind. It's a quick read on the menu, and it felt good just to support this local business that gives back to the community. Hiring and training people with disabilities to have an effective impact on the restaurant industry is an honorable and heartwarming endeavor. Thank you Max's Positive Vibe Cafe for contributing to society physically with good food, emotionally by making people smile and socially by creating a remarkable workplace and eatery. Positive Vibe is nestled in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center at the end
Ann A.
Aug 04, 2019
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Adelaide T.
Feb 02, 2019
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Loved the food! Have been in search of some good cafes and this spot was very quick and tasty! The soup was just enough spice and I enjoyed the coconut cream on top.
The service was very nice and welcoming. Our server was quick to make our drinks and make sure we were being taken care.
Left feeling full and positive, would come back again.
The service was very nice and welcoming. Our server was quick to make our drinks and make sure we were being taken care.
Left feeling full and positive, would come back again.
Tommy B.
Jan 07, 2019
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I'm truly glad a place like Max's exists in today's ever-changing food landscape. Not only is the food impressive, but the story behind it is even greater. Max's hires and trains people with physical and mental handicaps to give them a chance to work and give them the proper training and skills they need to thrive in the service industry. As a person with a physical handicap myself, I find this extremely admirable and was thoroughly impressed not only by the menu but also the courtesy and professionalism of the staff.
We started our meal with the veggie tots. One order comes
We started our meal with the veggie tots. One order comes
Kayla W.
Jan 03, 2019
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My family and I visited Max's Positive Vibe Cafe for our New Year's lunch/gift exchange. I had heard so much about this place over the years but just had my first visit in the new year. I am so glad we chose this establishment to share our first memories of 2019. The co-owner, Max Larcen, had a more than admirable vision to open a restaurant that enables people with disabilities to train and serve in the industry. I couldn't support this concept more, and my visits will definitely become more frequent now that I've had a taste of the menu!
The menu offers a variety of dishes
The menu offers a variety of dishes
Jennifer H.
Dec 24, 2018
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Visited for the first time yesterday for brunch with a large group of friends. The banquet room we were given was at the back of the restaurant, private and spacious with bright open windows. The brunch menu was well appointed with plenty of options for everyone. The waitstaff was attentive and very friendly. Food came out hot and delicious with perfect presentation. With unique options like sweet potato slaw and vegan versions of most everything, Max's exceeded expectations. I ordered the French toast and it was a perfect consistency of texture and flavor, with just the right amount of fresh
Susanne M.
Aug 31, 2018
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K. G.
Apr 09, 2018
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Ashley W.
Apr 05, 2018
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I really really really fell in love the moment I walked in! It was late exactly 8:38 and they close at 9pm I didn't check the time they closed before going but they were so welcoming I'm sure even if I came at 9 they probably would of stayed open just to provide service! Customer service is everything to me so when the waitress said we close soon but sit down and stay as long as you want my heart melted! The food was great the drinks were great the service was even better! The people who work their are so friendly and professional. I was being basic and just got a cheeseburger but I plan
Michelle K.
Apr 04, 2018
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Met a friend for dinner and we were seated immediately. The staff was friendly and welcoming. My friend had the butternut squash soup- delish.. i decided to try the vegan bean burger with the sweet potato coke slaw. Very good. The bean burger was large and full of flavor. The coleslaw was a perfect blend of sweet and savory between the shredded sweet potato and cranberries.
The experience was great and i will definitely return.
The experience was great and i will definitely return.
Deneen S.
Feb 18, 2018
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Positive Vibe is such an awesome concept. I love that there is a plan in place to help those with disabilities.
The food....I ordered the Shrimp & Grits as an appetizer and the Salmon "Ceasar" Salad for dinner. I also ordered
the Carrot Cake for dessert.
The Shrimp & Grits were delicious! The Salmon "Ceasar" Salad wasn't really a Ceasar Salad. It was spinach, bacon and sunflower or pumpkin seeds. However, it was tasty. The Carrot Cake was a little too rich for me and I couldn't eat it all.
All said and done, I will revisit and maybe try the burgers
The food....I ordered the Shrimp & Grits as an appetizer and the Salmon "Ceasar" Salad for dinner. I also ordered
the Carrot Cake for dessert.
The Shrimp & Grits were delicious! The Salmon "Ceasar" Salad wasn't really a Ceasar Salad. It was spinach, bacon and sunflower or pumpkin seeds. However, it was tasty. The Carrot Cake was a little too rich for me and I couldn't eat it all.
All said and done, I will revisit and maybe try the burgers
Lisa G.
Feb 18, 2018
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I am all about what Max's Positive Vibe stands for--training and employing people with disabilities for careers in the food service industry. What a fantastic idea! I can't believe I've never been here before today.
Staff is so very polite and efficient, although the kitchen was slow tonight, and unnecessarily so since it wasn't very busy. Our glasses were never empty, and staff kept our table pre-bussed.
I got the mixed grill which was crabcake, fish and shrimp over collard greens and rice pilaf. For dessert I got the pot de creme. I also tasted my friend's salad (which
Staff is so very polite and efficient, although the kitchen was slow tonight, and unnecessarily so since it wasn't very busy. Our glasses were never empty, and staff kept our table pre-bussed.
I got the mixed grill which was crabcake, fish and shrimp over collard greens and rice pilaf. For dessert I got the pot de creme. I also tasted my friend's salad (which
Brit D.
Dec 14, 2017
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I've been driving by this cafe for weeks now and finally had some time to kill before a class and was able to hit up their dinner/happy hour.
Walking in I became aware that Max's was much more than your average strip mall restaurant, but a non-profit organization dedicated to training and employing people with disabilities.
Their staff works for zero hourly wage and relies solely on tips. Service was outstanding! They take the time to know your name and then the entire staff is greeting you as they walk by.
I made it in time for their happy hour 4-7, 50% off beer, wines, rail drinks
Walking in I became aware that Max's was much more than your average strip mall restaurant, but a non-profit organization dedicated to training and employing people with disabilities.
Their staff works for zero hourly wage and relies solely on tips. Service was outstanding! They take the time to know your name and then the entire staff is greeting you as they walk by.
I made it in time for their happy hour 4-7, 50% off beer, wines, rail drinks
Judith E.
Sep 12, 2017
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The mission of this restaurant aside, the food is delicious, staff is polite and efficient. Price is appropriate for the quality and amount provided. Positive Vibes is one of my favorite restaurants.
Last Sunday with only a couple of days notice, Positive Vibes served our family brunch (about twenty people) in a special dining area. Some people were vegan, gluten free, some vegetarian, some "just regular"! Positive Vibes met everyone's choices with delicious and ample dishes. It will be our restaurant of choice from now on.
Last Sunday with only a couple of days notice, Positive Vibes served our family brunch (about twenty people) in a special dining area. Some people were vegan, gluten free, some vegetarian, some "just regular"! Positive Vibes met everyone's choices with delicious and ample dishes. It will be our restaurant of choice from now on.
