If you’ve ever been to Parable Cafe downtown, you probably remember why it stood out. From day one, Parable wasn’t just about slinging lattes, it was about community. The cafe became known for its gratuity-free model, its “pay what you can afford” vibe, and an alternate way of doing business that centered employee well-being. In short, it was supposed to be a haven of trust and care, a different kind of coffee shop.
But now, things have taken a bitter turn. The very staff who helped build that warm, welcoming atmosphere haven’t been paid. Their paychecks are overdue, and while management scrambles behind the scenes, employees are left wondering how they’ll cover rent, bills, and everyday life.
It’s heartbreaking (and honestly frustrating) to see a place that once prided itself on lifting up its workers now struggling in a way that directly hurts them.
The Silver Lining…
There’s something we can all do. A GoFundMe has been launched to help support Parable’s employees during this rough time. Every dollar raised goes directly to the folks behind the counter (and behind the scenes) who made Parable what it was. And they’ve already been able to raise over $15,000!
However, as each week goes by, each employee goes paycheck-less.
👉 Donate here to support the Parable Cafe team.
Columbus loves its coffee shops, but more importantly, we love our people. These baristas and cafe staff kept us caffeinated, created a safe space, and embodied the community-first spirit that Parable was built on. Now it’s our turn to show them that same care.
Donate, share, or spread the word… whatever you can do helps. Let’s remind the Parable team that Columbus takes care of its own.
Attention Columbus Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
One business owner stopped all their other advertising and just focused on working with us because it was that effective.
- 👉 Submit your business for free – (this is a free business listing)
- 👉 Be Featured on Step Out Columbus– (this is a tell us about your business)
Don’t wait for people to “find you” — we’ll put you on their radar.