Back in the summer of 2015, I was attending a fundraising event at the beautiful home of Eliza Kraft Olander which featured food stations by all sorts of local chefs. One of the stations was sharing the awesome food planned for an upcoming addition to Downtown Raleigh, the pay-what-you-can restaurant which would become A Place at the Table once it raised enough funds to actually open its doors. It was at this food station that I met the absolutely fabulous Maggie Kane, and I knew instantly what an inspiration she would be to me, to this community and to everyone with whom she could possibly come into contact. Y’all, I have been working toward featuring Maggie for quite some time, and I’m so excited to share her amazingness with you. Maggie’s energy is contagious as is her love for human beings. She is the greatest cheerleader for everyone about whom she cares, and she’s never afraid to share her huge heart with the world. It’s nearly impossible to accurately depict how wonderful this woman truly is and how much she makes our world better. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Maggie Kane

Maggie Kane is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born, and Maggie never looked back. Since opening in January of 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with dignified and affordable meals, bringing everyone into community to dine together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive and a passion for loving people.

She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains and all things sunflowers. You’ll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving or breaking away for a quick 2-day weekend trip.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Maggie Kane

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

A Place at the Table is Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit café which opened in January 2018 to provide community and good food for all, regardless of means. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh at 300 W. Hargett St., A Place at the Table offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu using a pay-what-you-can model six days a week. We are proud to be part of the One World Everybody Eats Foundation, a network of over 15 successful pay-what-you-can cafes across the world.

Why did you start your company?

I grew up serving in soup kitchens and, throughout my life have been struck by food insecurity, especially in my hometown of Raleigh, NC. As I graduated college, I began volunteering for a day shelter, working with people experiencing homelessness. As I developed strong relationships with many people experiencing poverty, I realized that there were places for people with money and there were places for people without money but that they didn’t really overlap. I knew there needed to be a place for both where people could come together, be seen in a dignified way and have real choices. In 2014, I began researching and found the pay-what-you-can system through the One World Everybody Eats Foundation. I visited FARM cafe in Boone and, then, officially obtained the LLC for A Place at the Table to be a real business in January of 2015.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The people I have been able to meet. It has been SUCH a joy to know the most incredible folks that walk into Table each day.

Guests at A Place at the Table enjoying some delicious food

About what are you most proud?

My team! I have the best team around.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

Heck, no, I am not organized at all. I have been fortunate to hire really amazing folks that are super organized! But I do write down everything in an old fashioned notebook and make that checkmark beside each thing I’ve accomplished by the end of the day. I put everything in Google Calendar, too, and could not function without it.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My friend John who happened to be experiencing homelessness for 3 or 4 months. He opened my eyes to the reality of food insecurity and homelessness—and what we needed in Raleigh.

Some of A Place at the Table’s incredible breakfast offerings

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Breathe. When I get overwhelmed, I take a minute to breathe. Then, I write it all down.

Block off times in your calendar to be productive. List it as a meeting with yourself or whatever helps you, but schedule that hour or two in your day to get yourself organized.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Yes! As I said, I am simple. I use Google Calendar, Gmail and all the Google features (Google Drive, email scheduling, etc). Plus, I love using Trello!

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I don’t…HELP! If you have any tips, please let me know 😊

Guests entering and ordering at the restaurant in Downtown Raleigh

About what causes are you most passionate?

Anything centered around people! But, specifically, hunger, homelessness, youth and affordable housing

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

A long walk around the lake, hike in the woods, porch sitting with friends, or, honestly, Netflix 😊

What is your favorite author / book?

Ummm, how does one pick? Currently, it is The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. –African Proverb

Andrew, Director of Operations, alongside some tasty offerings from A Place at the Table

What is your go-to accessory?

My gold Zia leather leaf earrings from The Flourish Market 😊

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Hmmm… I just recently took a make-up class with my friend Alyssa and learned a ton! But, honestly, facewash at night, lotion and sunscreen with a touch of mascara in the AM.

What is your favorite food?

PEANUT BUTTER! And spinach and sweet potatoes.