Roundtable is a resource for curated experiences in food, beverage and hospitality. We convene top chefs, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community organizers for meaningful connection and actionable social good.
the
spark
During the height of the pandemic, Tracy Chang co-founded Off Their Plate and Project Restore US, organizations focused on addressing food insecurity and inequity. She and Jonny met through Project Restore US’ volunteer base, which spanned across many cultures, backgrounds, industries, etc. to organize and deliver bulk culturally appropriate food to people’s doorsteps. This created a unique space for idea sharing and problem solving together; this is the core of Roundtable.
Since the peak of the pandemic, people have returned to dining out and traveling internationally. We launched Roundtable to revive this energy of local community building, with chefs, activists, students, designers, ++ while building an actionable framework people may use across the country.
all in for
community
Through a shared vision of fostering the development of good decision making and leadership skills as well as lifelong learning in self-care, social responsibility and the importance of community, we ensure impact is made in a way that is meaningful.
A key tenet of ours is the ability to connect with our community and be a catalyst for others to collaborate. Our network and partnerships drive local change that uplift BIPOC populations: chefs, immigrants, students, and more.
In summer of 2023, we launched the Roundtable Culinary Pilot Program with the Boys II Men program at the Moses Youth Center in Cambridge, MA. Our seven-week pilot program for thirty youth comprises of:
the development of kitchen acumen
understanding how to manage a budget when grocery shopping
providing exposure into job opportunities in the food and hospitality industry for local teens
integrating
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We are not the average food experience. We highlight key social issues through amplifying the voices of community members and uplifting chefs to express their backgrounds and experiences through food and storytelling.
We aim big, start small, and fail forward as we build this product and journey. Our power rests in the diverse network and curious minds that encourage us to think beyond what we’ve conceptualized, all while staying rooted in our core principal of community first.
From local students, non-profit partners, government officials, business people, friends, family, and strangers alike, we will implement our frameworks to bring people together and rally around our community.
“The world of fine dining often creates a barrier between the chef and the consumer. Roundtable encourages people to ask questions, learn from chefs, meet the people helping source the ingredients, and even play with their food.”
— Inaugural Roundtable Guest