In the heart of downtown Raleigh, a café on West Hargett Street has become more than just a location for a hot meal. A Place at the Table, founded by Maggie Kane, breaks down invisible barriers and unites people from all walks of life through its unique pay-what-you-can model. Here, community is not just an ideal but a tangible experience.
A Dream Born from Questions of Heart
From her childhood, Maggie Kane held a recurring question: “Why was I on this side? Why am I so lucky?” These reflections inspired her to launch a space where dining could transcend socio-economic divides.
A Place at the Table does just that. Instead of merely serving food, it offers dignity, connection, and the inclusive experience of sitting at the same table, regardless of one’s financial situation. According to North Carolina Health News, it’s a café where everyone is welcome, and meals are just the beginning.
Innovation through Inclusion
The café’s groundbreaking model allows guests to pay the suggested price, contribute as they feel able, or volunteer in exchange for their meal. This idea stemmed from Kane’s visits to the F.A.R.M. Café in Boone. In 2018, with research and passion, Kane opened Raleigh’s first café of its kind, now vibrant with patrons.
Not Just a Café — A Community Hub
The establishment of a community advisory board was pivotal in shaping both the design and menu. The board, comprised of people with firsthand experience of food insecurity, enabled authentic, informed choices. A Place at the Table is more than a dining venue—it’s a place of empowerment and mutual learning.
It’s not simply for the homeless but serves anyone living paycheck to paycheck. Within these walls, differences fade away, and personal stories bring understanding.
The Increasing Demand and Changing Dynamics
With the landscape of food security evolving, the café has seen its visitor demographics shift significantly post-pandemic. Where once 70% paid the full amount, now the majority pay less or volunteer, showcasing a growing need as economic challenges loom large.
A Place at the Table has served over 5,000 family meals since 2024, reflecting its critical role in the community’s well-being.
Facing Future Challenges Head-On
For Kane and her team, questions linger about the future: “How do we continue to serve everyone without compromising our existence?” The changing dynamics of benefits and regulations create uncertainty, yet the café stands resilient, a beacon of hope and connection.
As new policies, like those under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, take effect, the tension intensifies. But the community’s commitment to inclusivity and nourishment remains unwavering. Here, food is not merely sustenance—it’s a unifying force, a way to build bridges.
In Raleigh, A Place at the Table exemplifies innovation through compassion, touching lives one meal at a time.
