ST. LOUIS, November 27, 2007 - Friday, December 7, is "Barnes-Jewish Day" at Companion''s new café gathering place in the Central West End. Recently named one of the "Top 10 Artisan Bakeries in the U.S." in USAToday, Companion will donate 30 percent of revenues for December 7 to support the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation.

Located at 4651 Maryland Avenue just east of Euclid Avenue, Companion is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. In addition to breakfast and lunch, the menu offers savory items such as pizza and antipasti, as well as select wines and beers. The newly renovated space provides a home-like atmosphere, with a library and a sunroom where private meetings and receptions can be held at no extra cost.

Companion owner Josh Allen and his business partner and sister, Jodi Allen Gordon, are St. Louis natives who are committed to giving back to the community. Companion works with local non-profit organizations, including Second Helping and Operation Foodsearch, which serve the poor and homeless.

"Since we opened our first cafe in Clayton in 2001, our customers have been so good to us. We are happy to take what we love—baking and serving quality food—and use it to give back," says Josh. "We wanted to support another institution that cares about our community. Barnes-Jewish Foundation is a perfect fit."

On December 7, customers can visit Companion''s Central West End location to experience the new cafe and try something from the expanded menu, all the while supporting Barnes-Jewish Foundation. Members of the Barnes-Jewish and BJC communities, including employees, patients and donors, are especially welcome and encouraged to participate.