Caring For Restaurant And
Hospitality Workers in Crisis

through timely interventions, intentional relationships
and transformational care

Current Big Table Locations

Nashville D2C 2024
January Spokane ID Billboard
Unexpected 20 Billboard 2
Our Care Model Billboard2
How to Care Billboard
previous arrow
next arrow

caring for those most in need

Hidden behind the smiles of those working in the restaurants and hotels is the highest concentration of need in the nation. Our industry is full of amazing and gifted people and hires people no other industry will. These hard-working people have significantly increased risk for financial and emotional crisis as compared to other industries. In fact, EVERY one of the ten lowest-paid jobs in the country is in our industry based on 2020 statistics. Yet because hospitality workers are naturally required to keep smiles on their faces, their needs are virtually invisible to the world. Their job is to serve and take care of others – Big Table’s mission is to walk alongside and help take care of them when they need it most.

1 in 6

restaurant workers are below the official poverty line – DOUBLE any other working population

43%

make less than economists say is needed just to make ends meet

“It is more of a family than a non-profit. Big Table is like a port in the storm. It has reaffirmed my faith in people.“
david | care recipient

hope is always on the menu

Big Table was born out of a need. A server who couldn't afford medical care. A hotel housekeeper who was on the verge of eviction. A busboy who needed a car repair so he could make his shift. Every story is different. But the pain is the same - hardworking people just struggling to get by. Thanks to our selfless donors and our network of generous partners, including doctors, dentists, therapists, auto mechanics, and lawyers, we are able to meet each of these people at their exact moment of need with exactly the help they need.

We are able to catch them before they fall, building intentional relationships, and offering direction and hope. Won't you join us?

Family First

Big Table has helped me so much by providing both therapy and someone to reach out to when I’m feeling down. Having someone truly in my corner without an ulterior motive has been so helpful.

Billy is a server at an upscale steakhouse and was referred by a co-worker because he had just undergone an expensive surgery to try and alleviate some chronic pain. He was struggling with depression and having trouble paying off his surgery bills while financially caring for his two special needs children after missing so much work. Big Table jumped in, met with him regularly to offer encouragement as well as connect him to a local counselor while covering the cost. Although there are still ups and downs as he navigates his circumstances, his mental health is now a priority, and he is encouraged that his chronic pain has been subsiding post-surgery.

As he continued therapy, Billy began feeling more empowered to live a purpose-full life as a man and a father. As his emotional and physical health also improved, he started to dream about doing fun and inexpensive activities with his kids. Thanks to our Big Table champions, we were able to provide Billy enough gear for him to take his two kids on a camping trip right around Father’s Day. Life jackets, sleeping bags, a tent, and some outdoor cooking gear made the experience fun and comfortable. The children especially enjoyed supplies to enjoy smores together. Simple and precious family memories that will last a lifetime.

Billy
Nashville

relationships start around the table

how it works

a personal referral

Big Table works on a referral model, not a “hotline” model. We build a network of managers, owners, and employees across the industry and when they see someone in crisis, they submit a personal referral.

immediate crisis care

We respond directly and personally – seeking to meet an immediate crisis need as quickly as possible with the goal of keeping a family or individual from falling off the ledge.

ongoing relationships

Where we see lives truly change is when we are able to shift from triage care to investing in longer term coaching and mentoring with a care recipient. Once the crisis has passed we continue to walk alongside individuals – offering accountability and encouragement.

our mission

Big Table exists to see the lives of those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry transformed by building community and caring for those who are in crisis, transition, or falling through the cracks.