Big Big Table is a community cafe that welcomes all

“This isn’t just a cute catchphrase we use,” says Morgan Stewart, volunteer and communications manager at Big Big Table Community Cafe. “We truly believe that every single person deserves a restaurant experience. We all have a way to contribute whether or not we have dollars in our pockets, and every single human being matters. We want to celebrate that in our space.”

Big Big Table is a lunchtime restaurant built on the idea of radical hospitality, offering service to everyone who walks through the door.

At a traditional restaurant, guests are expected to exchange money for their meal. Here, guests are invited to contribute in whatever way they can: money, time or groceries. No matter how someone participates, they experience the same welcoming environment and nourishing meal.

The cafe is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The menu rotates weekly and typically features two entree options, each served with a protein and two sides. Guests may also add a soup of the day or dessert. While the suggested donation is $16, it is simply that: a suggestion.

“When the guest reaches the register, they are asked how they would like to contribute,” explains Morgan. “Guests can pay the amount that they are comfortable with. Many of our guests who may not have any money opt to do a volunteer task, like bussing and sanitizing tables. Others choose to donate a grocery item from our wish list.

“We also welcome in the folks who come in and want to pay more than the suggested donation. That helps us maintain our mission.”

Every lunch service at Big Big Table tells a different story.

“We have people come in who otherwise may not eat,” Morgan says. “We have working class families with small children who may not be able to take their whole family to a typical establishment. We have folks who want to put their dollars to a place that impacts others who are unable to contribute the same amount as them.”

The restaurant model is essential to the cafe’s mission because it is grounded in dignity.

“We want someone to have a restaurant experience, and two things are very important in that: choice and exchange,” says Stephanie Smith, Big Big Table board president. “You’re presented with a menu and multiple options, and you make an active choice. And there’s an exchange, even if it’s not monetary, so it’s not a one-sided experience. These elements create dignity and ownership.”

In a typical restaurant setting, you’re likely sitting near people with a background like yours. Big Big Table offers something different. It is a shared community table where people from all walks of life can come together.

“People are hungry not just for a meal, but for a connection,” Stephanie says.

“It’s just as valuable to people with money as to people without,” adds Morgan. “We have so many preconceived notions about people living in poverty. But here, you have the opportunity to truly know someone’s story.”

For those who want to help peel back those layers, the biggest need is for daytime volunteers to support lunch service. You can greet guests, work the register, prep food in the kitchen, or clean tables between visitors. You can also become a monthly donor, shop for items on the wish list, or sponsor meal tokens for guests in need.

“Food insecurity is here 12 months a year,” Stephanie says. “Hunger has many faces. Right now especially, resources are disappearing for people. It may be someone’s first time asking for help. They’ll say, ‘I need help because…’ But there’s no ‘because’ here. It doesn’t matter why. We’re here to help.”