Hartford's 'Pay-What-You-Can' Restaurant Not A Soup Kitchen

HARTFORD, CT — The name "Gather55" appears to be a perfect name for a unique, one-of-kind eatery that was officially opened in the capital Thursday.

That's because folks of all socio-economic backgrounds can now "gather" for a good meal at 55 Bartholomew Ave. in Hartford

And, you don't have to be rich to dine there. You just have to be hungry.

At a special press conference Thursday, state and city dignitaries joined "Hands on Hartford" as the community group announced the creation of Gather55, which happens to be Connecticut’s first “pay-what-you-can” restaurant.

Currently, breakfast and lunch are served there, with dinner expected to be served there by October.

First things first, however. This isn't a soup kitchen.

Breakfast and lunch will now be served to "all patrons looking for a delicious meal," reads an announcement of the new eatery, which organizers said "promises to promote dignity in dining regardless of your financial situation."

The restaurant is a combination of two Hands On Hartford programs, The Café at Fifty-Five, which closed during the pandemic, and the Community Meals Day Program, which for four decades has offered a safe and nourishing space for anyone who needs it.

It's aim is, actually, quite simple: "Serving meals to all and bringing economically diverse individuals together."

Local leaders expressed excitement at Gather55's prospects.

“The opening of the state’s first, ‘pay what you can’ restaurant, for breakfast, lunch, and soon, dinner, is a great achievement that will provide access to healthy, high-quality food for our whole community,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

“I want to thank Hands on Hartford for their creativity in establishing Gather55 and, most importantly, for the compassion and care with which they support the Hartford community by providing food services, housing and so much more. I also want to thank the incredible chef Tyler Anderson for his leadership in this initiative and for creating a rotating menu of great food once Gather55 opens for dinner in October, and to thank all the other partners who helped make this project possible.”

“At Gather55, our mission affirms our belief in nourishing, connecting, and giving to our community,” said Hands on Hartford Executive Director Barbara Shaw.

“We are not a pay what you want restaurant, but a pay what you can restaurant. Our hope is that guests join us because they are committed to bringing economically diverse communities together while enjoying a hearty and healthy meal.”

“Gather 55 is one of many innovative initiatives coming to the City of Hartford to ensure all residents have access to wholesome food no matter their ability to pay,” said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District.

One Hands on Hartford partner, Connecticut Foodshare, said the new restaurant has societal benefits beyond just feeding the financially disadvantaged.

“Innovative projects like this offer, not just additional resources and support for people in our community experiencing food insecurity, but they begin to destigmatize the conversation around it. We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Hands on Hartford to help launch Gather55,” said Jason Jakubowski, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Foodshare

Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on Gather55, visit its Facebook page at this link.

For more information on Hands on Hartford, visit this link.

For more information on Connecticut Foodshare, visit this link.