Today is ‘Pay What You Can’ da... Note
Fast Company

Today is ‘Pay What You Can’ day: See a list of restaurants that participate

On August 26, 2026, over 100 restaurants worldwide are participating in a global day of hospitality with a pay-what-you-can initiative. These establishments are offering their regular menus and service, allowing diners to decide how much to pay, or even offer trades like art or services. While food is on a pay-what-you-can basis, drinks are generally at full price. This movement was inspired by Saqib Keval and Norma Listman, chefs at Mexico City's Masala y Maíz, who have hosted similar events for eight years. Their initiative has grown from 20 participants last year to over 100 this year, including Michelin-starred venues. The movement emphasizes trust, access, and community building within dining rooms. Masala y Maíz provides a playbook to guide new participants on service, communication, and financial management. While many restaurants are in Mexico and the United States, others are located in countries such as Colombia, France, India, Nigeria, and Turkey. Several U.S. restaurants, including Bombera in Oakland and Tokyo Record Bar in New York, are part of this generous event. A complete list of participating restaurants can be found on the Pay What You Can website.
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