Good morning neighbors, Erin here. With Thanksgiving fast approaching (anyone else behind on menu planning?) I’ve been thinking a lot about our community + ways to give back. Sometimes getting involved can seem overwhelming or like you might not have enough time. But did you know there are two restaurants in downtown Raleigh that are designated 501(c) organizations because of the work they’re doing to help those in need? You can lend a hand by simply by changing your lunch plans to patronize one of these dedicated spots. Bonus: the food is excellent at both.
Open since 2016, this grab-and-go breakfast and lunch spot is both a storefront + a teaching kitchen. The restaurant, led by Meredith College alum Lindsey Blackenhorn, employees women in crisis — such as homelessness, domestic violence situations, and substance abuse recovery — and provides resources, goals, and a dedicated skillset to help create stability in their lives.
📍19 E. Martin Street, Raleigh
⏰ Breakfast + lunch, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
🍽️ The menu features feel-good comfort food and take-with-you classics. TryThis: Greek Goddess quiche for breakfast, a pesto chicken wrap for lunch, and a peach crisp for something sweet. Plus order ahead to get Thanksgiving sides that make a difference. Full menu here.
Raleigh’s only pay-what-you-can restaurant was opened in 2018 by N.C. State alum Maggie Kane. The restaurant’s menu features suggested pricing or patrons can simply exchange an hour of volunteer time for their meal. They also offer meal tokens for $10 if you want to pay it forward + to date, they’ve served more than 10,000 meals to community members in need. Look out for their expanded space, opening early 2020.
📍300 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh
⏰ Breakfast + lunch daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
🍽️ The menu features filling, homestyle foods ranging from shrimp and grits to sandwiches . TryThis: Homemade lemon lavender pop tarts, biscuits and sage sausage gravy, and the turkey gouda melt panini. Full menu here.
