The Coolest Thing

HEY Table friends!!

Last week I was walking through the café and someone called my name. I turned around and couldn’t believe it. Ty.

I haven’t seen Ty in years. And there he was. Thriving. Solid. Happy. He’d come back to see us.
That’s everything. Knowing people can come back. That there’s a table here with their name on it, whether it’s been a week or a decade.

Then Sunday, a couple visiting Raleigh for a conference found us on Google (we have really good reviews on there, which—thank you!!). They ate, talked to people, and then told me they’d had NO idea we were pay-what-you-can. They were blown away. Now they’re taking the story of Table back home with them to another state, telling their friends to visit.

But you and I aren’t surprised, because we know the incredible way this place works. The way people show up for each other. The way a stranger becomes family over a meal or a pile of plates in the dishroom.

That’s the thing about this place. It’s for anyone. The kid who comes back years later. The couple passing through. The regular. The volunteer who came for a meal and stayed for community. You.

It is the coolest thing and I feel so lucky to be a part of this community.

And speaking of community: Coffee and Conversations is October 9 at 9am! We’re partnering with the City of Raleigh for a conversation about connecting in your community, with Rose Thompson from Activate Good and Rachel Van Noordt and Olinda Pietrowicz from the City’s Volunteer Services team. Come join us!

Thank you for believing in this with us. For showing up. For telling people. For coming back. You’re why this works…and keeps working.

So much gratitude,
Maggie