Community Development

​

In the heart of Harlem, Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktails stands as much more than a culinary destination; it is an energetic community hub where the spirit of service is just as essential as the menu. Owned and operated by restaurateur Matthew Trebek, the establishment has spent years cultivating a reputation as a sanctuary for emerging artists and creatives.

 

By providing a safe and welcoming stage for self-expression, Lucille’s has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene. It currently serves as the home for the Harlem Bomb Shelter and Jazzmobile’s monthly Poetry & Soul set, while regularly filling its space with the soulful sounds of live jazz concerts and a rotating schedule of community-focused activities that bring the neighborhood together.

 

The mission of Lucille’s extends far beyond its four walls through a dedicated effort to combat local food insecurity. In partnership with St. Matthew's Church, the restaurant’s staff lovingly prepares over 200 nutritious meals every week.

 

“At Lucille's, we believe in feeding the community in every sense of the word,” shared Matthew. “We are proud to serve as a gathering place for Harlem's vibrant arts scene, and even prouder to partner with St. Matthew's Church to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious meals every week."

 

The commitment to neighborly well-being is further exemplified by Lucille’s sponsorship of Project Art, an impactful community-wide program that addresses the educational gap for children who lack access to arts programming within their schools. By partnering with public libraries, the initiative provides free, high-quality art classes taught by resident teaching artists. This collaboration ensures that the next generation of Harlem’s creatives has the resources and mentorship necessary to develop their talents, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a patron of both the culinary and visual arts.

 

Matthew Trebek’s influence on the community is also felt through his extensive civic leadership and his dedication to honoring his family’s legacy of education. In addition to his work with the restaurant, he serves on the board of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. One of his most personal contributions to the neighborhood is sponsoring the HARLEM WEEK Annual Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee. Named in honor of his late father, the legendary TV host Alex Trebek, the event celebrates academic excellence and provides a platform for local youth to shine. At Lucille’s, the menu may bring people in, but the mission makes them stay.