American Notes ATLANTA

Atlanta's Cafe 458 opened for business last week, offering a menu of beef Bourguignon, chicken-and-rice casserole, salad, green beans, corn, chocolate cheesecake and peaches. But "food is not really what we're serving here," explained one of the founders, the Rev. A.B. Short. "What we're serving is friendship, hospitality, brotherhood and sisterhood." Translation: the cafe, launched by the nonprofit Community of Hospitality, is in the business of helping the homeless.

Opening day found 25 "customers" lunching at white tables decorated with carnations, and volunteers serving as waiters. The first diners gave the cafe five stars. Said Oscar Shears, who lives in a shelter: "It kind of makes you feel like a person again."