Big Big Table

We at FIFTEEN had the privilege of hosting a presentation from Big Big Table, a remarkable organization that's redefining the landscape of community dining with its "pay as you can" model. This encounter wasn't just an opportunity to learn about a unique approach to addressing food insecurity; it was an inspiration, a call to action, and a reminder of the power of community. Founded on the dreams of Mandy Bailey in 2021, Big Big Table is more than just a restaurant. It's a beacon of hope and inclusivity in the heart of our community, welcoming everyone regardless of their financial situation. The essence of their operation—"Everybody gives, everybody matters, and everybody eats"—resonates deeply with us at FIFTEEN, mirroring our commitment to making a meaningful difference through our work. The operational model of Big Big Table is both innovative and heartfelt. Relying on donations and a carefully managed budget, they skillfully navigate the challenges of providing nutritious meals to all. This approach is grounded in dignity and respect, ensuring that no one is turned away. Offering insight into the foundational vision that drives their mission. Affiliated with the larger network of One World Everybody Eats, Big Big Table benefits from an annual gathering that fosters idea exchange and strengthens the bonds between similar establishments nationwide. This connection underscores the scalability of the pay-as-you-can café model and its potential to make a significant impact on food insecurity across the country. For us at FIFTEEN, today's presentation highlighted an incredible opportunity to leverage our advertising, marketing, and branding expertise in support of Big Big Table's noble cause. With our extensive portfolio of large food clients, we see a clear pathway to forging meaningful partnerships that can benefit this and similar organizations. "We accept everything...$0.10 is enough, $20 is enough," remarked the presenter, emphasizing an ethos of inclusivity and appreciation for every form of support. Volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about Big Big Table's mission are ways we can all contribute. By using our skills and resources, we can help elevate their visibility, encouraging more community involvement and support. Moreover, our role can extend to connecting Big Big Table with food industry partners who can provide donations, reducing food waste while supporting a critical community resource. Today's engagement with Big Big Table has been a source of inspiration for everyone at FIFTEEN. It has reinforced our belief in the transformative power of community and the importance of contributing to the greater good. As we move forward, we are excited to explore how we can support Big Big Table's mission, amplifying their impact and contributing to a more inclusive, compassionate world.

Exceptional experience! I tried it for the first time. Service, dinning experience and just kind people made it the best experience I've come to know.

And maybe loud and crazy a tad bit but it's a great place to pick up a meal and help the community with a little bit of help of volunteering and you can always donate to the charity to help him out and if you ever ask who sent you there tell him a person named Keven send u you'll see a smile the light of the Stars

Such a valuable resources in the community! Pay what you can, volunteer or bring groceries!

Everyone gets a meal, and everyone participates. I love the family style seating, you never know who you'll meet there! And, of course, the meals are awesome and well balanced.

Food is fantastic! I love coming here for a quick lunch when I’m in the area. The staff is awesome and always welcoming. Highly suggest trying their pastries. But everything they serve is delicious.

A really amazing spot on the West Side of Buffalo! I enjoy popping in to work for the day while I eat as well. The food is delicious, healthy and good quality! This is really great concept to bring to the city and for the Buffalo community to participate in. Very friendly & vibrant atmosphere!

Great place for healthy juice, coffee/tea, or a healthy snack. Very nice, and likeable employee. She's just a sweetheart. Nice, relaxing, unique decor, and a place where I bring people to have a drink and visit with them as there is no loud music blasting. One of my favorites.

Another great meal! am disappointed that the most recent review, prior to this one, is from over 6 months ago. Yelpers, why aren't you supporting this business? Anyway, a chilly, windy day was perfect for enjoying their hearty chili, and it was hearty! The squash was so tasty with cranberries and pecans: a creative and successful combination. Beans were good, too not too spicy or too sweet. I was too full to enjoy my oatmeal butterscotch cookie, so I brought it home with me and enjoyed it later; clearly not a store-bought cookie. Service with smiles...

I have both volunteered and eaten here, and both were excellent! The meal that I had was delicious, and obviously made with love. I appreciated that I could choose how much I wanted, both to eat and to pay. Signing up to volunteer was easy through the online portal and I could tell that I was helping with what needed to get done. The location is accessible - by bike, car, walking, and bus (route 3, Grant) - and the inside is warm and welcoming. Will definitely come back when I am free for lunch during the week!

I'd like to give this interesting place 4 & 1/2 Stars , but can't. Anyone at anytime are welcome as long as they're open. I of course got what was on the menu of the day, which was ; Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Cajun Roasted Carrots, Homemade Applesauce & for dessert, A S'mores brownie. The potatoes were so good. The carrots were good. Applesauce,Delicious !! S'mores brownie, was ok. (I'm just not a big brownie person) The people there were all so nice. They don't have a parking lot, but you shouldn't have a problem finding somewhere to park. A lot of street parking available. The diner is very small & not a lot of places to sit. I'm sort of a loner, so if I'm by myself, I just wanna be by myself, unless there are other "Yelpers" there to converse with. It was cute with their decorations & positive sayings written all over. I like that a lot. I love the rules of the place on what you can do for your meal, by donating your time, Money, or foods. I think that' concept is wonderful. Although I got full fast, I just wish there was maybe 1 more thing to choose from on the menu. It all just depends on the day you go. I would've loved a salad . But that's only my opinion & problem, but this place is great & I will be returning with my son/sons. Thank you Big Big Table Community Cafè for an awesome experience.

Gotta give the five stars just for the concept. Pay as you can, with money, volunteer time, or canned goods. They have a really great location because the shop is very close to Friends of the Night People and places on Niagara St frequented by homeless people. I went for the first time and I thought my meal was just ok. However, I am a super picky eater-- I don't like cheese on most things or eggs. I also am more inclined to want to eat junk food. So I had to eschew the chicken wing soup that it seemed like everyone was eating. I had the kale and sweet potato soup, some sort of quinoa salad, and red pepper hummus with a maple bar for dessert. Everything was so fresh, but my goodness, that was probably the healthiest meal I've ever eaten. I was just dying for some solid flavor in the soup and more sugar in the maple bar. But like I said, everything was very fresh and I left very full. The ambiance here is great and I love the decor. I hope they will also consider doing some events or expanding to some weekend hours so I could come by on one of the pizza days ;)

Small business on the corner of Hudson St and West Avenue BuffaloNYWestSide. Bright yellow trim inside gives an uplifting vibe. Greeted promptly by the friendly staff. Limited menu may change multiple times a week two mains two sides and three baked goods. Today 5/10/22 there was Sausage and Cheddar Casserole or Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes main dishes. Cajun Roasted Carrots or house made Applesauce for the sides and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Apple Crostata and S'mores Brownies for dessert. I ordered the Sausage and Cheddar Casserole which was accompanied with the roasted carrots both were warm and filling. The unsweetened tea was chilled and better than what I make at home. The apple crostata which looked like a tartine and was very Apple forward and satisfying. I finished the Crostata with a hot Costa Rican Coffee supplied by Ashley's. Very good vibes in this sunny spot in the lower west side of our city.

FINALLY made it to Big Big Table and what a treat it was! The concept of this nonprofit restaurant is beautiful: pay what or 'as' you can. That may be $2, or maybe it's washing some dishes in the back. The menu rotates regularly, and is largely based off of what ingredients were donated (from local farmers and growers!) that week. The staff are super friendly and sweet, I was made to feel so comfortable and even had the luck of being there at the same time as the founder - Mandy! Who is a literal ray of sunshine to match the yellow walls of the space. Also, if you were wondering - yes, the name of this place IS after the song Big Big House. IYKYK. It's been stuck in my head since drove down there, haha. It was a cold day so I took some roasted garlic cauliflower soup to go, and it was a great decision. Compliments to the chef! It warmed me right up and was packed with flavor and a little bit of kick. Sure it's not the most visually stunning, but I promise it made up for it in flavor and texture. This place is a great spot for lunch, and an even better place to frequent if your looking for community. I was made to feel at home as soon as I walked in the door being held open for me by one the neighborhood regulars. Especially after just having celebrated MLK Day, it harkens back to his dream of a "Beloved Community". Can't wait to go back!

The food was really good and the staff was incredibly kind. It's pay what you can, I'd encourage everyone to pay $12-15 to cover their full costs if they're able to.

The name says it all...Big Big Table COMMUNITY Cafe! Take one step into this place, and you automatically become part of the community! You're greeted immediately, either by a worker or a someone dining. The food options change daily and everything I've ever had has been good! It's also a 'pay what you can' type of spot. Whether you have $15 or $1, you will enjoy a plate of food!

This is the best place in Buffalo. Intentional love for all. It's a pay as you can restaurant. Where everybody eats. It is truly a community place. I have met the best people here.