FOUNDERS CAFE, Rochester

Travel safe during COVID-19

What you can expect during your visit

Face masks required for staff in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
Regular temperature checks for staff
Socially distanced dining tables
Staff required to regularly wash hands
Tables disinfected between guests

Updated 10/02/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

A note from Founders Cafe

Ratings and reviews

4.5 28 reviews

#25 of 77 Quick Bites in Rochester

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Details

PRICE RANGE

$4 - $12

CUISINES

American, Cafe, Healthy, Soups

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

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meals, features, about

Location and contact

13 Fitzhugh St S, Rochester, NY 14614-1422

Website

+1 585-770-1721

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Add roasted chicken breast strips, chicken salad or tuna salad for $3.25; Side salads can be added to any sandwich or soup for $4.75; Feel free to substitute any of our house-made dressings! Dressings: Ranch, Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette Honey-Rosemary Balsamic, Bleu Cheese, Founders House Vinaigrette, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

Traditional Cobb Salad

Marinated and oven roasted breast of chicken, applewood smoked bacon, grape tomato, blue cheese crumbles, hard-boiled egg quarters with mesclun spring mix and your choice of house-made dressing. Best Cobb this side of California!

$9.65

Founders Classic Caesar Salad

Chopped romaine lettuce, Italian radicchio lettuce, anchovy-free Caesar dressing, fresh ground black pepper, shaved Parmesan cheese, and house-made garlic & herb croutons. An American staple done right!

$8.25

Founders Favorite

Mesclun spring mix and spinach, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles, and honey-rosemary balsamic vinaigrette. Peppery, tangy, sweet, sharp, and earthy. In short, perfect!

$8.55

The Greek

Cucumber, feta cheese, assorted Greek olives, red onion, lemon wedge, and grape tomatoes with mesclun spring mix and lemon-basil vinaigrette

$8.55

Founders House Salad

Mixed greens, red onion, grape tomato, cucumber, house made garlic & herb croutons, Founders House Vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Who says house salads are boring?

$8.25

Herb Roasted Vegetable Salad

An assortment of freshly roasted and herbed vegetables on a bed of spring mix. Try it with the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

$8.55

Waldorf Salad

Mixed greens, diced celery and apples, grapes, walnuts with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette.

$9.05

Chefs Salad

Mixed greens, smoked ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and a hard boiled egg with our Honey Rosemary Balsamic dressing.

Chicken Caprese Salad

Herb roasted chicken, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil served with our Honey Rosemary Balsamic dressing.

Turkey Chipotle Avocado Salad

First we take a Turkey Chipotle Avocado panini, then carefully remove the panini, add greens, then put it in a bowl. (We don't really do it this way, but I think you know what I mean.)

PANINIS

Smoked Turkey and Pesto Panini

Thin sliced smoked turkey breast with provolone cheese, fresh sliced vine tomato, and handmade basil pesto

$9.70

Herb Roasted Veggie Panini

A colorful assortment of herb roasted veggies, including (but not limited to) eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, fresh baby spinach, bell peppers, fresh sliced vine tomato, and our Roasted Red Pepper coulis sauce. Even meat eaters love it!

$9.70

Add Cheese $1.25

Chicken Caprese Panini

Oven roasted chicken breast, mozzarella and tomatoes, basil pesto and balsamic vinaigrette, drizzled with herb-infused extra virgin olive oil. An Italian delight served right here in Rochester!

$9.55

The Carnivore

Black Forest ham, smoked turkey, imported capicola, genoa salami, applewood smoked bacon, and plenty of aged NY cheddar. Served with house made Honey Dijon. We won't lie; this sandwich just might eat you!

$10.70

Artisan Five Cheese and Tomato

Fresh sliced vine tomato, fresh cut herbs, aged NY cheddar, premium Swiss cheese, mozzarella, shaved parmesan, and provolone cheeses grilled to perfection

$9.45

Add Bacon $1.75

Chipotle Turkey Avocado

Smoked turkey breast slices and provolone cheese, house-made chipotle bacon mayonnaise and one-half fresh avocado. Spicy and delicious!

$10.70

Caprese Sandwich

Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Topped off with a little basil pesto and balsamic vinaigrette. Delicious!

$9.45

Cajun Chicken & Bleu Cheese Panini

Lightly spiced and oven roasted whole chicken breast strips, caramelized onions and house made creamy bleu cheese dressing. This one is addictive, folks. Just ask the boss!

$9.55

Founders Cuban

We start with roasted pork. Then add ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickle slices, then top it off with yellow mustard. Then we grill it to toasty melty perfection on the panini press

$10.70

JEF (Jambon Et Fromage)

First, some Black Forest Ham, then we top it with brie. Next, for some sweetness and crunch, some sliced apples. For more contrast, a helping of honey Dijon. Finally, a little nap on the panini press. Only then is it ready for your mouth

$9.85

HOT SANDWICHES

Thanksgiving Sandwich

The best thing about Thanksgiving put between two slices of sourdough bread. Sliced turkey breast, stuffing and gravy. Finished with cranberry aioli

$10.25

The Rachel (Turkey Reuben)

All of the deliciousness, with less of the guilt with this modified Reuben made with smoked turkey in place of the corned beef. So turkey, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1000 Island Dressing grilled on sourdough bread

$9.35

Reuben

All of the deliciousness and ALL of the guilt with this traditional Reuben made with lean corned beef. Same as above, but with a little more impact on the cholesterol. We serve this on marble rye

$9.35

BLT

Do I really have to explain it? Okay. A nice portion of applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, and sliced tomato served on toasted honey wheat bread. With mayo, of course

$8.25

Hot Corned Beef

On toasted marble rye with mustard. Who needs anything more? Oh yeah-make it a Reuben for a buck more

$8.25

Hot Pastrami

See above (except it's Pastrami!) On toasted marble rye with mustard. Just like your deli man in Brooklyn used to make. Of course you can make it a Pastrami Reuben for a buck more

$8.25

Hot Pastrami & Turkey Combo

Hungry for a sandwich you need both hands to hold? A full portion of hot pastrami on top of a full portion of smoked turkey. Served on marble rye with Thousand Island dressing. Oy!

$10.70

BIG Pastrami

Jonesing for massive quantities of smoked meat? This is the sandwich for you. A full pound of hot pastrami in between two slices of marble rye. This sandwich is so big, I had to have the toothpicks to hold it together custom-made

$16.95

Grilled Cheese

On buttered honey wheat bread, we add whatever cheese please you

$8.25

Add Bacon or Ham $1.75

Meatball Hero

On a hoagie roll we put delicious baked meatballs and our house-made sauce. Want to add cheese? Kick a buck.

$9.35

COLD SANDWICHES AND WRAPS

Smoked Turkey on Honey Wheat

Thin sliced smoked turkey breast, premium Swiss cheese, spring mix, red onion, fresh sliced vine tomato, on lightly toasted honey wheat bread with our house made Sweet Cranberry Aioli. Smoky and sweet!

$9.45

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Our own twist on an upstate New York classic: oven roasted chicken breast and romaine lettuce with house-made blue cheese dressing and sriracha sauce

$8.75

Add Cheese $1.00

Founders Tuna Salad

House made daily with celery, parsley, dill and red onion. Served on lightly toasted honey wheat bread or a spinach herb wrap with fresh sliced vine tomato, spring mix and our house-made Lemon Parsley Aioli

$8.45

Make it a Tuna Melt with aged NY Cheddar for only $1.25

Founders Chicken Salad

Our family recipe, made with oven roasted chicken breast, fresh grapes, walnuts, celery, raisins, almonds, and fresh apple, prepared with fresh sliced vine tomato and our house-made Sweet Cranberry Aioli

$8.75

Ham and Swiss

A simple American classic! A generous helping of smoke honey ham topped with premium Swiss cheese and our house-made Horseradish-Chive Aioli. Not a Swiss cheese fan? No problem. We'd love to prepare this delicious offering with any cheese you prefer

$8.75

Chicken Spinach Pesto Wrap

Marinated and oven roasted chicken breast strips, red onion, fresh sliced vine tomato, mozzarella, baby spinach, and handmade pesto sauce in a garlic and herb wrap. Try it with Bacon for a smoky kick!

$9.55

The Herbivore

Abundant selection of fresh semi-seasonal vegetables including (but not limited to) English cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, fresh sliced vine tomato, spring mix and baby spinach, on lightly toasted honey wheat bread or a garlic pesto wrap with our house-made Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette. Can be vegan if you substitute the dressing.

$8.15

Add Cheese $1.25

Italian Trio Wrap

Our take on Rochester's favorite sub! Genoa salami, Smoked Honey ham, imported capicola, provolone, spring mix, red onion, and fresh sliced vine tomato with our Horseradish-Chive Aioli. Fuggetaboutit!

$8.55

Smoked Turkey and Provolone Wrap

Smoked turkey breast, provolone, red onion, fresh sliced vine tomato and spring mix with our house-made Basil-Garlic Aioli. Simply delicious!

$9.15

Add Bacon $1.75

Turkey Club

Start with a BLT on sourdough, then add another decker of smoked turkey breast. Mayo, of course.

$10.15

COLD SANDWICHES, WRAPS, AND MORE

You May Substitute Any of Our House-Made Aiolis and Sauces if You Wish: Honey Dijon Sauce, Basil-Garlic Aioli, House-Made Basil Pesto Sauce, Horseradish-Chive Aioli, Lemon-Parsley Aioli, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis Sauce, Sweet Cranberry Aioli

Banh Mi

We start with a toasted mini-baguette, then layer roasted pork, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. It's topped off with some sriracha aioli. Sliced jalapeños too, if you wish

$9.55

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Your favorite salad in a hand-held version. Herb roasted chicken, romaine lettuce, and caesar dressing all rolled neatly into a wrap

$8.95

Egg Salad

My mom's egg salad recipe on our honey wheat bread. Simple and good. Finished with lettuce and tomato

$8.25

Chicken Salad Club

Another diner favorite triple decker starts with a BLT. Then we add another tier of chicken salad

$10.25

Herb Roasted Chicken Club

Are you getting the pattern? Triple decker with roasted chicken breast this time

$10.25

Tuna Salad Club

Do I really have to explain it again. Okay. Another diner favorite triple decker starts with a BLT. Then we add another tier of tuna salad

$9.95

Egg Salad Club

I'm not going to explain it, if you haven't figured it out by now

$9.95

Avocado Bacon Caesar Wrap

Romaine lettuce, bacon, sliced avocado, grated parmesan, freshly cracked pepper and Caesar dressing. Hail Caesar!

$10.30

Cobb Sandwich

See Cobb Salad. Ditch the bowl. Add Ciabatta roll.

$10.30

Soup

We also scratch make hot & cold soups daily. Check your weekly emails or our Facebook page for the soup schedule

Quiche

We bake quiche all week. Again, check your email or our Facebook page for our offerings

RICE BOWLS

$10.25. We rotate each day between brown rice, and quinoa. Current choices:

Southwestern

Cajun chicken, roasted corn, seasoned black beans, and salsa

Greek

Herb roasted chicken, feta, olives, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki

Banh Mi

Roasted smoked pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeños, and sriracha

Herb Roasted Vegetable

Roasted eggplant, red peppers, zucchini, squash, and hummus

Cali Roll

Crab stick, cucumber, avocado, nori, pickled ginger, and wasabi

COFFEE MENU

Flavor Shots ($0.50): Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Raspberry

Quick Cup

12 Oz $1.95

16 Oz $2.45

Cafe au Lait

12 Oz $2.55

16 Oz $3.10

Pourover

8 Oz $3.75

Espresso

Single $2.15

Double $2.65

Americano

12 Oz $2.75

16 Oz $3.25

Clever

12 Oz $3.75

Cappuccino

Single $3.25

Double $3.75

Iced Coffee

16 Oz $2.75

24 Oz $3.70

Aeropress

8 Oz $2.75

12 Oz $3.25

Cafe Latte

12 Oz $3.65

16 Oz $4.20

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PVDELE

69 reviews

Reviewed December 11, 2019

Nice Lunch Spot

The is a great place to get a quick bit for lunch. It's located in a absolutely beautiful historic building, and fits in very well there! The food is very good, and tastes fresh. I forget what I ordered, but it was delicious! Make sure...to stop here if you need some lunch!More

Date of visit: November 2019

Helpful?

So glad to hear how much you liked our place and food! We appreciate the kind feedback.

attorneylittle

57 reviews

Reviewed February 7, 2019 via mobile

Turkey, Chipotle, Avacado Panini

Great panini and friendly staff at Founders. They have a good selection of sandwiches and salads too. Would go here every day for lunch if I could. Price is a little high at $11, but definitely worth it.More

Date of visit: February 2019

Helpful?2

First of all counselor, thanks for the great review. I'm so glad you loved the food and staff. I'd like to now address your comment about the pricing: First- 8% of that goes to the Governor, so I think 8% of your comment should be...More

Quality_chk

43 reviews

Reviewed September 14, 2018

Rochester recommendation for casual eatery

Real food that is fresh and made to order. Nice variety on the menu... They are sensitive to dietary requirements and have weekly specialty bowls,, salads, soups and sandwiches. Definitely would recommend when in the area!

Date of visit: September 2018

Helpful?

Thank you for coming in and for taking the time to give us this great feedback! Thanks, Quality_chk!

Runnnerboy1

45 reviews

Reviewed September 4, 2018

Fresh, quick, convenient

This downtown eatery is tucked in an older building. The menu can satisfy any diet. Plenty of sandwich and salad options, allowing substitutions as needed. Specials can also be tempting on a daily basis. Cold? Try a soup! Outdoor seating is also available.

Date of visit: August 2018

Helpful?

Thanks for coming in and thanks for the kind feedback! See you soon!

Paul K

182 reviews

Reviewed August 15, 2018 via mobile

Recommended daily brunch spot

We visited Rochester for 4 days in August and found Founder's on day #1. Maria and Mike were so helpful, friendly and enthusiastic, s d the food and coffees so good, we happily returned each day. Ask Maria about her "Garbage Cookie"! Highly recommended!

Date of visit: August 2018

Helpful?

Thanks Paul and Marilyn! It was our pleasure to meet and feed you! All the best for the rest of your trip through America.

Cherie1971695

146 reviews

Reviewed January 16, 2018

Hidden coffee.

Met a friend for coffee on a Mon after a Sat snowfall. The signs indicating where the shop is located were covered in snow, the sidewalks less than shoveled and the streets typical city plow job. The place is spacious, staff friendly and quick to...fill the order. The chairs are not comfortable in any manner but the table tops are very unique. It is located in a historic building but unfortunately, they did not capitalize on that in any way. The coffee was medium hot but a tad bitter...like a Starbuck's. There appears to be a menu for breakfast and lunch with OK prices.More

Date of visit: January 2018

Helpful?

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for taking the time to review us. Sorry you didn’t like the chair and that the coffee wasn’t to your liking. A couple of clarifications I’d like to mention, though- Sidewalk shoveling is the city’s responsibility and despite me...More

Sandra W

54 reviews

Reviewed January 3, 2018

hidden, quiet, great

Found this a few months ago. The breakfast sandwiches are awesome. So is the cappacino. The coffee is OK. No flavors which is what I like best. It's very nice in the cafe and near county business offices.

Date of visit: November 2017

Helpful?

Thanks for stopping in as well as for taking the time to post the great review. We look forward to seeing you again. Hopefully, soon!

alissa216

35 reviews

Reviewed November 20, 2017

Great Lunch Spot

I had the Chipotle Chicken Avacado panini for lunch. It was very flavorful & unique! I will definitely be getting lunch here again. And there are so many tasty sounding choices on the menu, I will have a hard time choosing what to get next....Highly recommend this place for a great sandwich!More

Date of visit: November 2017

Helpful?

Thanks so much!for the terrific review,Alissa. Glad you enjoyed your lunch. Hope we see you again soon!

uvarobin1

231 reviews

Reviewed November 5, 2017

Favorite place to eat

Great build your own breakfast sandwiches that are made to order. Lunch is equally good. Your order is filled pretty quickly and you can call ahead to place the order

Date of visit: November 2017

Helpful?

UH60Blackhawk

73 reviews

Reviewed September 22, 2017 via mobile

Very friendly staff, good food

I concur with the other positive reviews. Founder's Cafe is tucked in a building off of Main Street. There are table and chairs outside, but otherwise no indication there is a restaurant in the building. Upon entering the restaurant I was given a friendly greeting...and an offer of help with the menu. I came for breakfast so I got the Colorado breakfast sandwich. It was very good. I did not have lunch, but based upon the breakfast I would highly recommend this as a place for a casual lunch as well.More

Date of visit: September 2017

Helpful?

Thanks for stopping in and for sharing your experience here. We appreciate the feedback and hope to see you next time you're in town!

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Founders Cafe

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