Meet the Staff of A Place At The Table

MAGGIE KANE

Maggie Kane first and foremost has a passion for loving people. 8 years ago, Maggie founded A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s, NC’s pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe, which has fed thousands of humans some incredible food, and an even better community. She believes strongly in the power of unconventional communities and showing everyone she meets that they have a place at the table.

She is a proud member of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance board, Band Together Advisory Board, Healing Transitions Advisory Board, and Feed the Pack Food Pantry Advisory Board at NCSU.

She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains and hour-long tattoo appointments. You’ll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving, or breaking away for a quick 2-day weekend trip.

ANDREW GRAVENS

Andrew is the Executive Chef. He grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi and was raised on the delicacies of the Mississippi delta. Helping Momma in the kitchen, he learned that serving others first was top priority. Andrew received a degree in Pschology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. While in college, he worked in kitchens and was fascinated by Cajun and Creole cuisine. Learning as much as he could along the way, he began his career as a chef. Being the chef of A Place at the Table, is a dream come true for Andrew.

Having a position where he can fulfill his desires to serve those in his community by creating delicious and nutritious food for everyone is an integration of life long passions. Outside of the kitchen Andrew enjoys being outdoors with his fiancée and four dogs. They love to go hiking and canoeing, while at home Andrew is found working in his garden or woodworking.

ALLI LEGGETT

Alli is our Cafe Manager.

One of the ways I give back to myself is through yoga and relaxation.  I also am a proud Pacer Alumni of William Peace University and like to stay involved with their athletic department.

The path that led me to the Table started with me owning a gift boutique next door.  I knew the day I met Maggie we were going to be friends for life. I ended up closing the stores and fell in love with the fast pace culinary world.  It intrigued me to be able to create amazing meals and drinks and socialize all day while doing it.  

I like to try and uplift people with joyful and positive energy and love.  At the end of the day it is not just about work but the real bonds and relationships made with the community.

EMILY WEIDMAN

Emily is the Manager of Volunteer Engagement of A Place at the Table. She recently moved to Raleigh with her husband and pup after living their whole lives in Pennsylvania. Emily has a degree in Social Work and before relocating, worked as a Team Leader for Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence in the Philadelphia region. It was in that role that Emily developed a passion for nonprofit work. Since being in Raleigh, Emily spent some time with Haven House Services working with youth in the county.

Being new to an area means feeling a little out of place. However, Emily says she already feels at home with the Table staff and volunteers. She can't wait to continue to work alongside the amazing people that come to the cafe every day!

USHA DAY

Usha was born in a small mountain town Livingston, Montana. She moved to Raleigh with her family and has since enjoyed hiking, biking, and being outside here! She loves hot yoga and COFFEE.

Her coffee drink of choice is a good cup of black coffee, but if it is cold out you may see her drinking a peppermint soy mocha during winter.

Not only does she love working for A Place at the Table, but she enjoys working with the Larry's Coffee team helping with events and all things coffee! 

ELIOT BURNHAMS

Eliot was born in England and moved to the states 15 years ago. He loves cooking and has a passion for making really good food, especially Indian food. He loves visiting Spain and eating Spanish food! He interned with the cafe for months, volunteering in the kitchen until we finally convinced him to work with us officially.

His number one passion may be cooking, but he is an even bigger music guy. He is a credited producer and will be releasing his hip hop beats soon. Stay tuned because we will have them at the cafe!

LORI JONES

Lori has been cooking since she was a child. In high school, Lori had an internship with The Angus Barn where she learned the restaurant business; then she went on to get her Associates degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. Lori worked in various restaurants over the years until she had her sons, Ethan and Nathan.

While Lori raised her family, she launched her own coffee company, Black•ology Coffee Company in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic. One day God woke her up and said now is the time and the rest is history! 

Lori stays active outside of work with her coffee and baking. She is on the Board of Directors BLOOMHERE Nonprofit Organization and a Community Partner with The No Woman No Girl Initiative.

ALYSON FULLER

Alyson grew up in rural Kansas and later graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors in English. She discovered cooking while working at a Jamaican cafe during college serving up rice and peas.

Since graduating, she’s moved around the country honing her culinary skills.

Having most recently lived on the west coast, Alyson is excited to learn all about the South and to be a part of A Place at the Table.  

SAMUEL TORREJON

Sam is a second generation immigrant with my father coming to the United States from Spain. Visiting my aubeula in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain really inspired me to get more interested in cuisine and evoked a passion in where and how we get our food. I have volunteered on farms in Washington and California, and really wanted to learn how regenerative farming will change the world. I have worked all sorts of odd jobs learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business, and got the privilege to work with Ashley Christenson at Poole's Diner. In my free time, I love being outdoors; running, walking and hiking. Meditation and breathing work are also very important to me.  Reading is another passion of mine as I try to embody the mentality of a lifelong student. I love working as part of a team and I find that a strong community can accomplish any task or goal. 

TRACEY LEONARD

Tracey was born and raised in Raleigh, and stuck around to attend NC State University, getting a degree in philosophy. Her love for food and cooking began when she was ten, and decided to try to be a vegetarian. She learned how to cook for myself, and when one day found herself working in a professional kitchen, something clicked and knew this was what she wanted to do. When she is not cooking, she loves hanging out with her partner and dog, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and watching too much TV.

AMANDA HAMPTON

Amanda started cooking at the age of 15 under the tutelage of Anna and Sybille Pump at Loaves & Fishes in Sagaponack NY. After several years of working part time there, Amanda opted to pursue a culinary degree at  the California Culinary Academy, graduating in 1997. Shortly thereafter she became a manager and partner in a restaurant in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco.

Following her time there, she chose to return to the kitchen at Skywalker Ranch, the headquarters of Lucasfilm in Marin County CA. She eventually was named the Head Chef of the Technical Building restaurant which serviced Skywalker Sound.

Amanda stepped away from cooking for several years to travel, scuba dive, live abroad and raise her two children.

She is thrilled to return to cooking at A Place at the Table as she believes the kitchen is her true home!  

DAVON ROBINSON

Davon is from Richmond, Virginia. He recently graduated college with a degree in social work and a minor in recreational leadership. He didn’t grow up with the best situation, but learned at a young age his passion is to inspire others to be their best selves. He spends his free time at the gym, with his beautiful girlfriend, or making inspirational videos on his Instagram. He wanted to leave each of you with a message that you matter!