What about having a free, communal, donation based, restaurant in northern Nevada?
While we await election results, on this Election Primary night in June 2026, here’s an Ideas for Progress article:
What about having a free, donation based, communal restaurant in northern Nevada?
While rebranding as the Post Modern Times, a cafe in south Minneapolis is a recently talked about example of a food establishment that abruptly decided to stop charging for food.
This initially started after Alex Pretti was shot and killed by ICE agents in January, as a protest to stop paying sales taxes. It’s now being pursued as an invigorating experiment.
Even as half the customers aren’t paying for meals, the restaurant is busier than ever, selling distinctive merch, getting plenty of attention and donations, with an unparalleled sense of community to boot.
“Post Modern Times was born out of the belief that we are in a fascist economy,” its About page indicates.
“In a neighborhood that was targeted by our Federal Government because of our independent thinking, and hope for equality. We refuse to be complacent, and we question why we run businesses. To become rich? For fame? To prove our worth through food? Not while people live in the neighborhood that cannot afford to eat our food. Since February of 2026 we have become a donation-based restaurant without prices. We are making something new, without the constraints of societal norms. We offer farm to table brunch fare based on hippy ancestors and punk ideals.”
The menu has less items now, but the food is still freshly made, for all, those who pay and those who get a free meal, while all enjoy each other’s company.
Other more structured models of this general idea include the Taste Project in Forth Worth and Arlington, Texas, thriving as a non profit restaurant with plenty of volunteer help, where patrons pay what they can afford, what they would typically pay at a standard restaurant or pay extra to help subsidize a meal for a neighbor in need.
“Jeff Williams has always had a burden for feeding people. Jeff grew up in a family of four, and both his parents worked hard to put food on the table. He remembers the times when food was scarce and his parents would skip meals to make sure he and his sister were full,” it explains as its origin story.
“Soup kitchens are good, but not everyone feels good about going there. That’s why, in 2012, Jeff founded Taste Project, a sustainable solution to ensure none of our neighbors go hungry. But Jeff also wanted a place that eliminated the stress and fear his parents faced. A friendly place that feels like you’ve just come home. And a place where you can get more than just a meal, but also hope.”
Meanwhile in New Jersey, the JBJ Soul Kitchen run by Jon Bon Jovi’s foundation also has a no price menu at four locations where diners can pay extra while those who can’t afford the locally sourced meal or anything extra contribute by volunteering their time, such as serving food, washing dishes, clearing tables or helping with herb gardening.
Its website indicates that out of over 230-thousand meals served since its start in 2011, 58% earned their food volunteering while 42% paid with donations.
“We provide a dining experience that fosters a sense of community and addresses issues of food insecurity,” it states.
Could this type of communal pay what you can restaurant exist in northern Nevada? Can you imagine the type of effect of having people of widely different life experiences share a dignified, healthy meal at the same table in terms of compassion and better understanding?
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