We’re excited to highlight Maggie Kane, the amazing founder and executive director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café. Maggie’s heart for service and passion for bringing people together has created a special place in the community where everyone is welcome, no matter their ability to pay for a meal. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and discover how she’s helping fight food insecurity while building a stronger, more connected Raleigh.

Maggie Kane grew up in Raleigh and has always been driven by a desire to help others. While attending NC State University, she began volunteering at a local day shelter, where she formed deep connections with people experiencing homelessness. This experience opened her eyes to the struggles many face and led her to create A Place at the Table, a café that offers more than just food; it offers dignity, choice, and community.

In 2018, Maggie opened the doors of A Place at the Table, a nonprofit café that allows guests to pay what they can. Diners can choose to pay the suggested price, pay less if needed, pay more to help others, or even volunteer in exchange for their meal. This unique model ensures that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can enjoy a meal and feel valued.

A Place at the Table isn’t just about food; it’s about building community. The café uses food as a way to connect people from all walks of life. Whether someone is volunteering for their meal or paying it forward, everyone who visits the café is treated with kindness and respect. Maggie’s mission is to provide “good food for all, regardless of means.”

When you walk into the café, it feels like any other cozy restaurant, but what makes it special is the sense of connection it creates. The suggested pricing model gives diners the freedom to contribute in a way that works for them, helping to reduce food insecurity while fostering a sense of belonging. Maggie believes that by providing a choice, people feel more empowered and respected.

Maggie’s impact goes beyond the café. Her latest venture, The Traveling Table, is a food truck that brings A Place at the Table’s mission to even more people in the Raleigh area. The truck offers catering services and partners with local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Zebulon, providing meals to communities in need. It’s a great way for the café to reach more people while raising funds to continue their work.

Maggie also launched a culinary internship program, giving people in vulnerable situations the chance to learn valuable kitchen skills. Many interns have gone on to find jobs in the food industry, proving that A Place at the Table offers more than just a meal; it offers opportunity and hope.

A Place at the Table wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Raleigh community. From local businesses to individual donors and volunteers, the café thrives because people believe in Maggie’s mission. One of the biggest events of the year is the Toast to the Traveling Table fundraiser, which helps raise crucial funds to keep the café running. This year, the event is expected to raise over $200,000.

Maggie is also working with people in nearby communities like Durham and Wake Forest to help open other pay-what-you-can cafés, sharing the same mission of inclusivity and connection.

Maggie Kane’s story is a shining example of how one person can make a big difference in their community. A Place at the Table is more than just a café; it’s a place where people come together, where everyone is valued, and where food is a tool for building stronger connections.

By supporting A Place at the Table, you’re not only getting a delicious meal, but you’re also helping to make Raleigh a more inclusive and caring place for everyone. Whether you’re dining, volunteering, or donating, you’re part of a mission that’s changing lives.

Want to experience A Place at the Table for yourself? Visit their café in downtown Raleigh or check out The Traveling Table food truck at its next stop. You can support their mission by dining, volunteering, or attending their fundraising events.

To learn more, visit A Place at the Table and follow them on Instagram @tableraleigh. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has a place at the table.

Join us on the Best of Raleigh Podcast as we continue to uncover the stories of remarkable individuals like Maggie Kane. These narratives not only inspire but also drive forward the spirit of innovation and community engagement in Raleigh. Be sure to tune into our next episode, where we dive deeper into the stories that shape our vibrant community.