86 THE STRESS
New San Antonio nonprofit nurtures hospitality workers' mental health

A new local nonprofit, Cafe86SA, is stepping up to address the unique mental health challenges of San Antonio's food and beverage industry. Founded by Stephen Paprocki, Cafe86SA will soon offer free and low-cost mental health resources like therapy, peer support, and wellness programs specifically designed for hospitality professionals.
The need for such services is acute. According to a May study from wellness organization Hospitality Action, 76 percent of service industry workers have experienced mental health challenges at some point in their careers. Forty-nine percent have dealt with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues in the last two years. Thirteen percent of San Antonians are employed in service sector jobs, according to a Visit San Antonio.
The nonprofit covers costs with a $75 fee that gives members access to a Discord online platform. According to a release, the service offers 24/7 help through therapy groups tailored to offer support for anger management, spousal abuse, addiction issue, and more. Peer-to-peer groups will be introduced soon.
Paprocki, the owner of Texas Black Gold Garlic and cofounder of farm-to-table advocacy organization Chefs Cooperatives, has a personal connection to the Cafe86SA cause.
"The truth of the matter is, I'm not only the Cafe86SA president, I'm also a client,” he says in a statement. “I saw a deep need for this, and I'm here to help others find the help that I needed."
Though the nonprofit was born in San Antonio, it aims to serve culinary professionals nationwide. The organizations have mapped rehab facilities, mental health centers, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in all 50 states. Membership does not require experience in the back- or front-of-house.
"While our roots are in the food and beverage world, the pain we're addressing is universal. Cafe86SA is a place where anyone — regardless of industry — can come for support, connection and healing," says Paprocki.
Cafe86SA is not the first nonprofit to address mental health disparities in San Antonio's service industry. Saint City Culinary Foundation operated for six years before folding in 2023.