Welcome to The Garden Cafe Tagbilaran – Where the Old West Lives Loud in Flavor, Not in Volume.
Just four decades ago, Deaf children in Bohol often lived hidden lives at home. Others were seen begging on the streets. Most received no education and had no means of communication. Many did not even know their own names. They were frequently bullied and wrongly labeled as mentally retarded. Many parents, unaware of the existence of special education classes, kept their Deaf children at home. In reality, there was only one small class at Tagbilaran Central School. Though some parents knew about it, poverty hindered most from sending their Deaf child to school. Many believed education was not important for sending their Deaf child to school. Some thought having a Deaf child was just a misfortune and a burden the family had to bear alone. The Deaf were underestimated and left at home doing household chores. In the worst cases, they were shunned by their families, abused, and isolated.
These sad circumstances got the attention of Johnny Fisher, a Peace Corps volunteer who arrived in Bohol in 1979. At that time, he encountered a Special Education (SPED) class with only five Deaf students. Recognizing that the best way to help the Deaf was to teach them sign language and provide education, Johnny requested another volunteer with knowledge in Deaf Education. As a result, in 1981, Dennis Drake came along, and both of them began working in conjunction with the local Department of Education to develop the Tagbilaran Special Education (SPED) Center. However, they believed there were still hundreds of unreached Deaf children and young adults on the island of Bohol among the 800,000 population at that time. To address this, in 1982, they established a Philippine NGO (Non-Government Organization) known as Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled, Inc. (BFDDI). From its founding, BFDDI initiated and undertook annual island-wide surveys to locate and bring the Deaf to school. Later on, it provided student training on vocational courses such as cooking, sewing, cosmetology, carpentry, and masonry, and even organized a Deaf Festival.
Despite their education and language skills, finding jobs to support their families was still a challenge. To address this, Johnny and Dennis aimed to create employment opportunities for the trained Deaf community. In 1984, Johnny secured a USAID grant to open The Garden Café, a bamboo restaurant. Supported by the former Mayor of Tagbilaran, Ondoy Rocha, who provided construction labor, and the Provincial Government of Bohol, which donated land next to the Tagbilaran City cathedral, their vision came to life. As the years passed, the Garden Café underwent several major renovations as it attempted to succeed as a donut shop, broasted chicken house, dim sum house, ice cream parlor, and pizzeria. Then the day came when ICM and BQ malls opened. These were tough times for the little Garden Café restaurant as sales dropped to almost zero. The Deaf workers were all afraid to lose their jobs. How could they continue supporting their families? It was then that Dennis decided to make Garden Cafe into a theme restaurant. Drawing on his Montana, USA, cowboy roots, he changed the restaurant into an “Old West” experience. Today, it has become a landmark to locals and visitors alike with its Montana-themed rooms offering International Cuisine.
Our team is the core of all we do at Garden Café Tagbilaran. We are happy to have a diverse and talented staff that treat each dish they prepare and each visitor they greet with enthusiasm, passion, and respect.
Our team includes both hearing and Deaf employees, working together in a supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment. We believe great food brings people together and so does great communication. Whether it’s through sign language, a friendly smile, or a notepad, our team is always ready to make you feel at home.
We are proud of our Deaf team, who contribute their talents, commitment, and efforts to creating a more inclusive environment for the Deaf community. Our workplace is founded on respect, teamwork, and accessibility, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, whether they are spoken or signed.
Come, say hello, or wave hi! We are looking forward to serving you.
I enjoyed the ambiance and the food. Great food. Stylish interior. Romantic and cosy atmosphere.
Cest Moi Carlos
Such a wonderful experience to be in that place, not to mention its mouthwatering foods, cozy atmosphere and most especially the crew. Amazing!
Lucille Marapao
Best place in Tagbilaran. The food is very delicious, especially the spring rolls. And not to forget the waitresses, kindest people I’ve met so far.
Lou Is
J.S. Torralba St., Tagbilaran City, Philippines
(038) 411 3701
0919-078-5346
0905-264-5322
Mondays - Sunday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
