Raleigh's pay-what-you-can cafe where everyone eats with dignity.
A Place at the Table is Raleigh's first pay-what-you-can cafe that provides community and healthy food for all regardless of means. They serve breakfast and lunch all day in a welcoming restaurant environment where customers can pay the suggested price, pay a minimum of $3, or volunteer for one hour to earn their meal.
The company was founded in 2015 by Maggie Kane, who grew up volunteering at soup kitchens for over 20 years with her mother. She noticed the stark difference between traditional soup kitchens and typical dining experiences, wondering why people experiencing homelessness couldn't have the same dignity of choice in what they eat, with whom they eat, and for how long.
A Place at the Table addresses food insecurity in a community where 1 in 7 residents are food insecure and 1 in 5 children go hungry. Their innovative model has served over 340,000 pay-what-you-can meals since March 2020, while over 80 people volunteer daily to gain skills and connection. The cafe operates like a regular restaurant to the average consumer, creating dignity and choice for all patrons while building stronger community connections.
A Place at the Table creates impact through their pay-what-you-can model that allows patrons from all walks of life to dine together regardless of economic means. Customers can pay the suggested price, donate a minimum amount, or volunteer in the cafe for one hour to earn their meal, creating both food access and skill-building opportunities.
The model addresses food insecurity while maintaining dignity and choice for all diners, operating as a regular restaurant experience rather than a traditional charity model. Over 80 people volunteer daily, gaining valuable skills and community connections while contributing to the cafe's mission of feeding the community.
340,000 pay-what-you-can meals served since March 2020; Over 80 people volunteer for their meal every day; Addressing food insecurity in a community where 1 in 7 residents are food insecure and 1 in 5 children go hungry
Photo credit: A Place at the Table
A Place at the Table
300 W Hargett St #50
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Focus areas
Locations
