Current Big Table Locations
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
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?
IN HER OWN WORDS
The Big Table team are loving people who are there for people and care for them. I love them.
Jodie was promoted to front desk manager after eight years of working hard for a local hotel. Little did this single mother know after being a recipient of a Big Table hotel care blitz in the spring of 2023 that she would need a referral for care later that year. Jodie had hit a financial crisis as she tried to juggle everyday expenses in addition to covering college tuition for her son and bills from her unexpected health issues. Here is Jodie’s story in her own words:
“Last year Big Table helped me out. I was introduced to a beautiful lady named Brooke. I got to meet with her over coffee, hear her story, and how she came to work with Big Table. Last year, I was seeing a lot of doctors due to health issues and working a lot of hours at the hotel. I got behind on my car payment at one point and they would take my car from me if I didn’t pay for it. I was lost. If I didn’t have my car, I would lose my income, the roof over my head, and the food on my table. Brooke was able to work with my car place and they worked with me, so I could get caught up on my car payment. I love how they work with people that need help. Big Table is a good resource.”
how it works
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.