Our Mission

Big Table exists to transform the lives of those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry by building relationships around shared meals and caring for those who are in crisis, transition, or falling through the cracks.  This community and care are open to all in the industry without condition.

Why?

The largest single employment group in the United States is restaurant workers. Add in hospitality workers and that number of people employed is close to double that of any other industry in the country.  It is a vibrant industry full of gifted, creative, and generous people.  

It is also an incredibly tough industry.  Many employed in restaurants or hotels live on the very edge working multiple jobs and without a safety net.  It is the industry in the United States with the highest rates of drug and alcohol abuse in the country and the hours required often strain relationships past the breaking point.

What We Do

Big Table is committed to building relationships rather than simply offering programs and the community we create starts with shared meals together around a literal "big table."  Then out of this community we find creative ways to care for people in the industry who are hurting, falling through the cracks, or in crisis.  It is simple, powerful, and a tremendous amount of fun.

Often we get to partner with others in the industry both to identify needs and then meet them.  We are finding that the generosity of those connected to the industry is as great and the needs represented.  It is a privilege to help focus and coordinate this generosity.