Hey Table friends!
It’s hard to believe, but A Place at the Table is turning 7 on WEDNESDAY, January 8th! Seven years of shared meals, laughter, connection, and building a community where everyone has a place.
I still remember the first day like it was yesterday. It was a chilly, but sunny January morning in 2018, and we nervously unlocked the doors for the very first time. Would people show up? Would they understand what we were trying to do? What the heck was I even doing? Within minutes, those fears melted away as the café filled with the hum of conversation, the smell of good coffee, the laughter of an incredible staff, and the warmth of all of you–this beautiful and generous community.
That first day, we served 40 meals—each one a symbol of hope and a spark of connection that set the tone for everything we’ve done since. I remember sharing a coffee with one diner who couldn’t believe they could enjoy a hot meal and pay what they could. They told me, “Maggie, you have told me about this for years, but I didn’t really think I could pay less here and that I would be welcome, also this food is SO good.” That’s the moment when I knew: we were creating something super cool.
From 40 meals on day 1 to 225,000 meals served over the past seven years…
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From those early days of figuring out how to run a pay-what-you-can café, or managing a global pandemic, to launching The Travelin’ Table food truck last year, these years have been nothing short of amazing. And it’s all because of YOU.
Now, it’s time to party! 🎉
Join us on Wednesday, January 8th at A Place at the Table to celebrate our 7th birthday!
Here’s what’s in store:
🎂 The best birthday cake from our incredibly talented staff
🎁 Free OG goodies
🤗 Big hugs of course (from us to you!)
We’d love to see your smiling faces and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together over the years. Let’s toast to seven years of community, good food, and the hope for many more to come!
From the deepest part of my heart, thank you. Thank you for being part of this 10-year journey and 7 years of being open. You’ve shown up with your time, your love, and your belief in the power of community. If you want to continue to support us and donate $7 a month for our 7th birthday, here is the way to do it.
Thank you. Because of you, Table is here and a place for all of us.
Here’s to the next chapter of this beautiful story!
With so many hugs and extreme gratitude,
Maggie