GATHER BISTRO & BAR: A TALENT SUCCESS STORY

In the heart of Talent, Gather Bistro and Bar stands as a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the pursuit of a dream. Co-owners Dimple and Sumesh, serial entrepreneurs and partners in life, have always been passionate about building businesses that bring people together. Their journey began nearly four decades ago, and it continues to thrive in the town they’ve come to cherish.

Having built businesses both in India and the United States, Dimple and Sumesh always dreamt of owning a place in Talent. “Whenever we drove by, we talked about how wonderful it would be to create something here, in this small but loving community,” says Sumesh.

Their dream came to fruition when they stumbled upon a quaint café in an ideal location. They quickly fell in love with the space and, after some persistence, managed to acquire it. Just weeks later, however, the Almeda Fire ravaged the town, and although the café survived the blaze, Dimple and Sumesh were struck by a deep sense of survivor’s guilt. “It felt wrong to think about opening a business while the town was reeling from such devastation,” shares Dimple.

But the community had a different vision. Their daughter, Sachta, and several local residents encouraged them to move forward, believing that the town needed a place to come together, heal, and start the process of revival. “They reminded us that Talent needed hope,” says Sumesh. And with that encouragement, the couple decided to forge ahead, bringing their dream to life under the name “Gather”—a name suggested by Sachta, which felt just right.

Gather opened its doors as a cozy coffee shop offering snacks, a place for people to meet, connect, and find comfort amidst the gloom. From the very beginning, the community embraced them, offering unwavering support through the challenges of COVID-19 and the economic struggles that followed.

Their story of revival and community resilience caught the attention of SYSCO, one of the food industry’s giants, who recognized them as “The Most Inspiring Business in America.” For Dimple and Sumesh, the recognition felt like a sign that they were on the right path, supported every step of the way by their beloved patrons.

Now, as Gather celebrates its fourth anniversary, it has grown far beyond a simple coffee shop. The restaurant and bar bring the best of world cuisines to the people of Talent, all while keeping prices affordable despite rising costs. The couple continues to innovate, frequently updating the menu to keep things fresh and exciting.

And the fun doesn’t stop there—Gather recently introducing Trivia Nights on Wednesdays, adding to the vibrant atmosphere that has made the bistro a hub for the community.

“We are incredibly grateful for the warmth and love we’ve received from Talent,” says Dimple. “This little restaurant is not just ours; it belongs to the entire town.”

From a humble coffee shop to a full-fledged restaurant and bar, Gather has become a cornerstone of the community—proving that even in the face of adversity, a place to gather can be a source of strength, joy, and connection.

Gather Bistro and Bar is located at 200 Talent Avenue and is open from 11am to 8 pm. For more information, visit gathercafebistrobar.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.