Photo Provided Rick Brown, an employee at the Monroe Theatre, serves up free coffee and pastries during the theater’s “Wake Up Wednesday” event.

WOODSFIELD — The Monroe Theatre launched its “Wake Up Wednesday” events last week, welcoming residents to enjoy free coffee and pastries.

Th theater has been undergoing a series of renovations and upgrades over the past couple years, including the addition of a concession stand and bistro. Mick Schumacher, a Monroe County commissioner and member of the Monroe County Arts Council that operates the venue, said those in the area were welcome to stop by and grab a hot cup of coffee and warm doughnut or pastry — free of charge, though organizers do accept donations for the theater during the event.

Schumacher said the initial day was a success as they ran out of food by 10 a.m. He said they plan to continue these weekly freebies while work moves forward on the future bistro inside the lobby area of the theater. He called the giveaways a “teaser” to generate interest in the future of the endeavor.

“Our plan is to open up a coffee shop and bakery and use it throughout the week where people can come and have a destination for a coffee and a pastry. They can sit and visit; we’ll have some background music. We’ll do that during the week,” he said. “… We want to create some interest and excitement leading up to the opening.”

Arts council members are working to obtain a grant through the Baker Foundation for furnishings and amenities for the bistro, along with a $260,000 grant through Appalachian Regional Commission Foundation for interior renovations.

Schumacher said they are also working to join forces with the owners of the former Keevert’s Bakery, which closed in 1975. He said they are hoping to feature the family’s baked goods recipes at the bistro.

“They had the best pastries. They were made fresh every day,” he added.

The bistro likely will open sometime next year.

“Wake Up Wednesday” will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon, or until they run out of pastries, each week at the theater, located at 104 N. Main St.