BELONGING IN THE BAY OF QUINTE
The Kafana’s Journey of Community, Culture, and Connection
When I first walked into The Kafana, I felt an instant sense of excitement—an invitation to adventure. The space was an explosion of colours, eclectic decor, and mismatched furniture, with each corner telling a story. For someone like me—a city kid from Toronto, I am used to hopping from one culturally rich hangout to the next—it wasn’t just a restaurant. It was an experience that invited curiosity, a welcoming of the unfamiliar.
It was the kind of place that made me want to ask questions, learn more about what I was seeing, and dive deeper into the story behind it. And so, I did.
Written by Carrie Oswald
Read time: 5 min
Meeting with Myra and Corinne, the dynamic duo behind The Kafana, was an experience that stuck with me long after I left. These two women are business partners and partners in life, and their shared dream of creating a community space shines through in everything they do. We sat down, cozy by a fireplace with pistachio coffee in hand, and talked about the inspiration behind this unique gathering spot—and what it truly means to belong.
The Heart Behind the Name
The Kafana is more than just a restaurant, it’s a space that embodies connection, tradition, and culture. When I asked Corinne about the name, she explained that a “Kafana” traditionally brings people together to eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company in a laid-back setting.
Corinne’s inspiration for The Kafana came from her experiences at a Balkan camp in Mendocino, California—a week-long gathering where people from South Slavic countries share music, art, food, and culture. These festival-type camps are inclusive spaces where age, background, and political divides fade in the face of creativity and human connection. It’s a place where dance groups teach each other new steps, musicians compose songs, and artists collaborate, regardless of their different cultural heritages or spoken languages.
For Corinne, The Kafana is a physical manifestation of that spirit—a gathering spot where people can come together, share a meal, and celebrate community in a way that transcends boundaries. And it is not just about the food— though the food is incredible—it’s about the feeling that comes with being welcomed and accepted, just as you are.
A Vision for Belonging
When Corinne and Myra first envisioned The Kafana, they were not just thinking about opening a restaurant. They wanted to create something more, a true community hub that could serve as a gathering space for people of all ages and backgrounds. In many parts of the world, spaces like this are common. But in Belleville, where The Kafana is located, there were few places that offered that sense of openness and inclusiveness.
“We want people to feel like they belong here,” Corinne said, her voice full of passion. “It’s not just about serving food or drinks; it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, feels like they’re part of something special.”
That vision became a reality through their Balkan Dance Nights, which are quickly becoming a popular community event. To their surprise, the first night drew families from all walks of life. Children, grandparents, and even people from different backgrounds, all dancing together. It was a beautiful example of how cultural differences can melt away when people come together to enjoy a shared experience.
The idea of family-style serving, too, may have been unfamiliar to many, especially in a Western context. But for Corinne and Myra, it is a way to encourage people to slow down, eat together, and connect in a deeper way. The Kafana isn’t just a place to grab a bite to eat—it’s a place to build relationships and make memories.
Belonging in Action: The Power of Community
For Myra and Corinne, the concept of belonging is not just an abstract idea; it is something they’ve lived, especially when it comes to their support for Ukrainian refugees. From the moment they opened The Kafana, the two women found themselves swept up in the need to do more for others. They didn’t just want to run a business, they wanted to give back to the community that had already embraced them.
Their initial fundraising efforts started small, with the idea of running a few pierogi pop-up stands. But when word spread about their efforts to support Ukrainian refugees, the response was overwhelming. Donations flooded in—so many, in fact, that Corinne and Myra found themselves with a packed van, piles of donated goods, and a community of people eager to help.
What struck them most was the way the community rallied around them. People they had never met showed up with trucks, pallets, and shrink-wrap, ready to pitch in. There was no hesitation, no questions asked, just a collective effort to help those in need. Myra and Corinne were moved to tears by the outpouring of support, feeling a deep sense of gratitude themselves as they saw how their community came together in a time of crisis.
“It was like a big hug from the community,” Corinne said. “We didn’t expect it, but it was exactly what we needed. It made us realize that when people see a need, they step up. That’s what belonging is all about.”
The Future of The Kafana: A Space for Everyone
As Myra and Corinne look to the future, their dream for The Kafana only continues to grow. They have already begun expanding their vision, with plans to host even more events that encourage connection and cultural exchange. The central location in downtown Belleville was a strategic choice, one that would make The Kafana accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and especially to young people who might not have other places to gather.
In a world that often feels divided, The Kafana stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. It’s a place where cultural differences are not just accepted, they are celebrated. And as Myra and Corinne continue to build on their dream, they are creating a legacy of belonging for future generations to enjoy.
So, if you haven’t yet experienced The Kafana, what are you waiting for? Step into this vibrant space, grab a seat, and take part in something bigger than just a meal. It’s a place where connection, community, and culture collide—a place where everyone belongs.
And trust me, the coffee’s worth it, too.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! I’m Carrie Oswald, and Belonging Redefined is my baby. I’ve always been a curious student of the human experience, particularly when it comes to the question, “What does it mean to belong?”
When we moved to the Bay of Quinte region in 2020, we really didn’t get a sense of what made this place special as the pandemic kept us isolated. Over the last five years though, I’ve made it my mission to uncover and collect the unique stories of people I meet through everyday conversations. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed hearing them.
Maybe together we can truly get a sense of the what has made this community the welcoming place it is, but more so what the community is doing to continue to create a space where people can feel like they belong here.
