NEST Cafe: Where There’s a Seat at the Table for Everyone

by Allison Houldson

NEST stands for nourish everyone sustainably together. Aptly named, NEST Cafe was opened by Laura Evans Mahn in 2021 and is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the Quad Cities has access to delicious and nutritious food, including those currently facing food insecurity. To do this, the cafe serves every meal on a pay-what-you-can basis, allowing customers to donate whatever amount they choose for their food. Only offering meals made from fresh, real ingredients, NEST Cafe makes healthy eating easier for all Quad Citizens. Not only are individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds welcome here, but the cafe also provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for diners with dietary restrictions. The menu at NEST Cafe changes daily, however, options free of animal products and gluten are always offered. When we visited the cafe, they were serving build-your-own burritos with toppings like sausage, jackfruit, black beans, butternut squash, peppers, and onions, as well as multiple sides and desserts. Since their menu is different every day, we recommend visiting their Facebook page or website each week for the latest menu.

How Does this Pay-What-You-Can Restaurant Work?
Unlike other restaurants in the Quad Cities, NEST Cafe doesn’t have any prices on its menu. Instead, diners are encouraged to donate whatever amount they can for their meal, regardless of how little that may be. If you’re unsure of how much to donate, the cafe does provide a reference point for you to use, suggesting $8 for a half plate and $12 for a full plate. However, this reference point is just a suggestion and never a set price. For individuals who cannot offer a donation for their food, NEST Cafe allows you to volunteer in exchange for a meal if you’d like to donate your time instead.


 

Other Resources Available at the Cafe
NEST Cafe doesn’t just serve the community with food. There are also other resources available at the restaurant for those in need. For example, the bathrooms are stocked with small
toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste. For diners with children, there’s also an area in the cafe where kids can draw and play to burn off some energy after eating.

Volunteer Opportunities at NEST Cafe
If you’re passionate about helping the Quad Cities community by improving everyone’s access to delicious, healthy food, volunteering at NEST Cafe might be the perfect opportunity for you! The cafe is always seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including food preparation, serving, and assisting with opening and closing. For more information about these positions and to sign up to volunteer, visit NEST Cafe’s website. Volunteering is also a great way for individuals who cannot pay for their meal to show their appreciation to the cafe for their food. All volunteers at NEST Cafe get a free meal for their help.

Making a Difference in the Quad Cities
At NEST Cafe, making sure everyone feels respected and welcome is just as important to the restaurant’s staff and volunteers as ensuring that everyone in the Quad Cities has access to a healthy meal. When asked about one of her favorite customer moments, NEST Cafe owner Laura Mahn recalled a heartfelt note left by a diner, which is currently displayed on one of the cafe’s walls.

The note reads, “We have so little, but I always make sure to look like we have a lot. Coming to NEST Café makes us feel like we have it all. We have never been judged for giving a lot or a little, even the times we couldn’t meet in the middle… [NEST Cafe is] a place for love, smiles, and kindness.”

To learn more about NEST Cafe and how you can help the restaurant share love and healthy food with residents of the Quad Cities, visit their website. Whether it's signing up to volunteer or donating money to the cafe, your contribution helps the restaurant make a difference in our community.