About The Experience

How did we come up with The Old Farm Cafe?

The OFC Creations Team THRIVES on coffee – it keeps us moving through rehearsals, camps, and non-stop performances. That got us thinking about how we could enhance your experience of getting a cup of coffee with friends, working on your laptop away from the office, or hosting your next celebration event.

The Old Farm Cafe is that one-of-a-kind experience!

Executive Director Eric Vaughn Johnson, continues to dream of ways to make common life activities into memories that will last a lifetime. Johnson partnered with designer, Jack Haldoupis, to bring his vision to life as OFC’s first expansion. And with this much coffee at our fingertips, the OFC Team can continue to brainstorm new ways to entertain the Greater Rochester community in years to come.

About the Experience!

Blending great food with a unique theatrical experience, guests will be immediately transported to a captivating and calming barnyard, giving you the feeling of enjoying a sunny summer day no matter the actual Rochester weather. Designed by the incomparable Jack Haldoupis, The Old Farm Cafe depicts the gorgeous and idealistic life on a well-loved barnyard, including plant growth and greenery, sounds of the early morning, and animatronic animals.

The Old Farm Cafe does not take reservations, the restaurant is a counter service dining establishment. The cafe is open to the public throughout the week for handcrafted caffeinated drinks and unique barnyard beverages. A wide range of meals and pastries for breakfast and brunch will give you a hearty start in the morning, as well as lunch and later options for rounding out your day. Escape from the office and join us on the farm (without having to do any chores!)!

While you’re picking up your coffee or meal, why not purchase your tickets for an upcoming performance at OFC? Tickets for upcoming shows at the OFC Creations Theatre Center will be on sale at The Old Farm Cafe. While you’re at it, grab a t-shirt, swag-bag, coffee mug, or fresh bag of coffee from our extensive merchandise selection by the register.

Can’t get enough of the barn? Host your next event with us! With space available for up to 160 guests, The Old Farm Cafe is your one-stop-shop for birthday parties, bridal showers, family reunions, and other get-togethers. Managed by OFC’s team of highly experienced event coordinators, as well as in-house catering offerings and opportunities for adding liquor (not available during public hours), any event you host at The Old Farm Cafe will certainly be one to remember!

Keep an eye on our event calendar! The farm’s gazebo stage draws a range of immersive dinner theatre productions, Broadway and pop-rock concerts, and specialty events like our upcoming Flea Market where you can purchase unique items from a range of local vendors.

The immersive music played during public hours at The Old Farm Cafe has been written and created by the incredible Tim Janis. Mr. Janis is a producer, director, filmmaker, composer, and writer whose films can be seen on Paramount Pictures, Starz, Universal Peacock TV, and in cinemas across the US. His music has achieved world-wide popularity and can be heard throughout Walt Disney Theme Parks, PBS, and in prestigious concert halls like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. We are thrilled that his company has allowed The Old Farm Cafe to feature his incredible music.

The Old Farm Cafe is handicap accessible including entrance way, ADA bathrooms, and seating. While purchasing tickets for shows at The Old Farm Cafe, note that seating is with four chairs per table that easily can be moved/removed if a guest would prefer to stay in their wheelchair. This is possible with any seat in the cafe and does not need to be communicated with us in advance. During shows and ticketed events, if you do not purchase all tickets at your table, you may be seated with other parties. Food orders will end 10-15 minutes prior to shows beginning.

What are you waiting for? Join us at OFC’s The Old Farm Cafe!

MEET THE FARMERS WHO CREATED THE OLD FARM CAFE

Founder of Old Farm Cafe, Eric Vaughn Johnson

Concept Conceived by…..
Eric Vaughn Johnson, Johnson is an award-winning director from Rochester, and has been at the forefront of countless theatrical and film productions both on- and off-stage. He has been described as “an influential part of Rochester Arts” (West Side News), as “one of the leading figures in Rochester’s musical arts scene” (Pittsford Neighbors Magazine), featured as a Rochester “Extraordinary Person” (News 8 Now), and most recently as “transforming Rochester into a mecca of performance art,” (Brighton Connections Magazine).

Johnson is the Founding Executive Director of OFC Creations, leading and expanding the company since 2005 to offer professional theatrical entertainment, educational theatre programs, and immersive experiences including Johnson’s new restaurant, The Old Farm Cafe.

Johnson has devoted practically his entire life to artistic directing, starting at the young age of 12. He is most recognized for directing and co-writing the world premiere of Eddie Money’s original stage show, Two Tickets to Paradise: The Musical, at the Kodak Center. Johnson worked directly with the late Money-Man writing and arranging a majority of the new script, breaking box office records at each performance. 

Along with Two Tickets To Paradise, Johnson’s professional directing credits include West Side Story, Mary Poppins, the first Rochester production of Sister Act, Oliver, Miracle on 34th Street, and the regional tour of A Year with Frog and Toad to name a few. Johnson’s directing ability specializes in storytelling choreography and transforming a traditional story into a unique experience. 

Johnson’s professional writing credits include Hocus Pocus The Drag Parody Musical, A Golden Girls Christmas Carol, and Dance Mums: The Musical, each of which Johnson also assembled and directed a professional cast of performers.

Through the pandemic, Johnson conceived, designed, and opened the OFC Creations Theatre Center. Though arts were limited due to pandemic restraints, Johnson developed NYS approved policies and procedures for shows and theatre classes to continue safely. After proving successful with no COVID transmission, organizations across the state and neighboring states reached out to Johnson for assistance is reopening their theatres in a similar fashion.

Thousands of students have had the opportunity to learn entertainment industry standards under Johnson’s leadership, many of whom Johnson has featured in professional productions. Johnson established and revamped drama programs at local schools across the area including Plank South, Barker Road, Seton, World of Inquiry, St Joseph’s, Harris Hill, and more. Many of Johnson’s students have gone off to prestigious musical theatre colleges, booked talent agents, and have become entertainment industry professionals.

Previously, Johnson served as the Program Director of Rochester Association of the Performing Arts, the Artistic Director of SNAP Musical Theatre, and the President of Greece Performing Arts. Johnson has managed numerous performing arts centers, namely the 2,000-seat Kodak Center for Performing Arts (formerly Theatre on the Ridge). Working closely with countless local and National show promoters, Johnson managed and coordinated concerts and events such as “The Beach Boys,” “Vicki Lawrence,” and “Kenny Rogers.”

When not directing and producing, Johnson has starred in James and the Giant Peach, The Rocky Horror Show, and the wildly popular Golden Girls Parody Musical series as Dorothy. Johnson can also be seen in William Fichtner’s feature film Cold Brook.

Johnson’s mission is to continue enhancing the arts in the Rochester region through interactive experiences, community partnerships, and creating innovative avenues of entertainment.

 

 John-Haldoupis of old farm cafe

Experience Designed by……
John Haldoupis is an award winning painter who has exhibited nationally in numerous shows, including Watercolor USA, The Rocky Mountain National (major award), The Syracuse show at the Everson, and The Fingerlakes Show at the MAG. He was (at the time) the youngest member ever elected into The National Watercolor Society. His designs for the theatre are extensive. For over 35 years he served as the artistic director for Blackfriars Theatre in downtown Rochester. Recipient of City Newspapers Lifetime Achievement Award and the Geva Theatre Legacy Award.

Sarah Trine of Old Farm Cafe

Operating Under the Management of….
Sarah Trine, General Manager is a native of upstate NY who has been working in area kitchens and theatres for the past 16 years. She is so proud and excited to join the OFC family! She loves honing her natural culinary skills, where she can specialize in menu planning, catering, and indulging a community’s love of great food. When she’s not tending to her menagerie of animals at home – including a small cast of chickens – she can be found gardening fresh ingredients or testing new recipes. She looks forward to taking on her role as General Manager, and being part of such an inspiring ensemble, but most of all seeing everyone at The Old Farm Cafe. She is delighted to now call OFC home, as there’s truly no other place like it. Break a leg this season!