Everybody Eats: A Movement - Season 1 Episode 4 - with Libby Birky

In this episode, host Renee Boughman welcomes Libby Birky, co-founder of SAME Cafe in Denver, for a deep dive into the philosophy and practicalities behind community cafes. Libby shares her journey from running one of the nation’s first nonprofit, pay-what-you-can cafe to mentoring new cafes across the country, emphasizing the importance of dignity, authentic relationships, and community participation over transactional models. The conversation explores the differences between suggested donation systems and open-ended giving, the challenges of maintaining equity and respect for all guests, and the creative problem-solving required to make these unique restaurants work.

Together, Renee and Libby discuss lessons learned from years of experience, including the need for trauma-informed care, the value of offering real choice to guests, and the ongoing work of balancing financial sustainability with the mission to serve everyone. This episode offers an honest look at what makes community cafes successful, the pitfalls to avoid, and why building a space where everyone is welcome is both messy and deeply rewarding.

 

Libby Birky co-founded SAME Café in Denver, CO with her husband Brad back in 2006—because what’s marriage without starting a non-profit restaurant together, right? In 2018, she “pre-tired” from the daily grind (think retiring, but trendier and earlier) and hit the road in a camper van with Brad, visiting  community cafés along the way. Since their tour de cafe road trip, Libby’s been the fairy godmother of community cafés —helping out with HR headaches, kitchen conundrums, and delivering top-tier moral support with a side of encouragement (no extra charge).

Armed with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (aka: professional teaching smarts), Libby spent twelve years wrangling elementary schoolers before swapping the classroom for the kitchen—same chaos, better snacks. She’s now based in Georgia with her husband and two vintage dogs, Leo & Gemini, who enjoy long naps and judging squirrels. A fan of all things triathlon—biking, swimming, and running—Libby no longer attempts them simultaneously (less flailing, more fun). In her free time, she sews, bakes, and devours books like they’re hot gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.