For many food lovers, a good meal is about more than just flavor—it’s about impact. Across the country, a growing number of restaurants are using their kitchens to serve more than plates. These purpose-driven establishments create job opportunities, support underserved communities, and donate meals to those in need. By choosing where you dine more intentionally, you can support businesses that make a difference every day.

Restaurants That Do More Than Feed You

Everytable – Multiple Locations (Los Angeles & Beyond)
Everytable operates with a social equity model, offering healthy meals at variable prices based on neighborhood income levels. It’s more than fast-casual—it’s a mission to end food inequality. They also run a training program to help employees eventually own their own stores.
Learn more at Everytable

Homeboy Industries – Los Angeles, CA
Homeboy Industries runs Homegirl Café and other food ventures as part of its rehabilitation and job-training mission. They support formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals with culinary training, mentorship, and long-term employment.
Explore their work

Cafe Reconcile – New Orleans, LA
Located in Central City, Cafe Reconcile offers classic Southern fare while training at-risk youth for careers in hospitality. Dining here means investing in someone’s future with every order of shrimp and grits.
Visit Cafe Reconcile

The King’s Kitchen – Charlotte, NC
This non-profit restaurant donates 100% of profits to feed the poor in the community and operates a culinary training program for people facing barriers to employment. Their Southern-inspired menu reflects comfort and care.
View The King’s Kitchen site

World Central Kitchen – Global Reach
While not a restaurant, World Central Kitchen (founded by chef José Andrés) partners with restaurants around the world to provide meals during disasters and crises. Supporting their partners or donating directly helps communities get back on their feet through food.
Support World Central Kitchen

How to Support Values-Driven Dining

• Look for social enterprises, non-profits, or mission-based restaurants in your city.
  
• Share your experience on platforms like Yelp or The Infatuation to spread awareness.
  
• Choose catering or events hosted by these restaurants to support them beyond one meal.
  

Saving While Supporting: Cashback Options Still Apply

Dining with purpose doesn’t mean giving up savings. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta occasionally feature promotions for socially conscious restaurants or delivery platforms that partner with them. Even if the restaurant itself doesn’t participate, you may be able to earn cashback on gift cards or delivery services through apps that support ethical spending.

For instance, if you’re ordering from a social-impact restaurant through a platform like Uber Eats or Grubhub, you could pair it with cashback offers through Ibotta or Rakuten.

Final Course: Eat Well, Do Good

When you choose a restaurant that gives back, your dollars go further. You nourish yourself and help feed, train, and uplift others. In a food culture obsessed with taste, there’s room to prioritize impact—and these restaurants prove you don’t have to choose between the two.