Minneapolis Café Revived by Pay-What-You-Can Approach

Key Points:

• Dylan Alverson, owner of Minneapolis' pay-what-you-can restaurant Post Modern Times, transitioned from traditional restaurant models after facing economic challenges intensified by the pandemic and rising costs.
• Inspired by a worker-owned restaurant experience, Alverson created a community-focused space offering local food and artist studios, aiming to serve as a neighborhood gathering spot rather than just a dining venue.
• Following federal immigration raids and community struggles, the restaurant removed menu prices, allowing customers to pay what they can or nothing, supported by significant donations that helped sustain operations.
• This new model has improved financial stability, enabling Alverson to pay himself a modest salary and staff living wages, while serving about 155 meals daily with 90% at no cost.
• Alverson advocates for honesty about the difficulties facing independent restaurants and encourages reimagining business models to ensure neighborhood eateries can survive and thrive.