Renee talks with Jenny Knowlton, the Executive Director and Founder of the Quiltmaker Cafe in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Named after the beloved children’s book The Quiltmaker’s Gift, the cafe is a testament to the power of patience and community persistence.

Jenny shares the candid reality of a five-year journey to find a brick-and-mortar home. Despite many obstacles, Jenny didn't just wait; she spent years building a "tapestry" of support through pop-up meals, food truck events, and deep involvement in the local community.

The conversation explores the unique challenges of merging a nonprofit mission with a professional restaurant, the importance of mentorship from other community cafe directors, and why Jenny believes the long wait actually resulted in the perfect downtown location.

Jennie Knowlton, Founder and Executive Director of The Quiltmaker Café, began her first nonprofit journey early last year, along with her husband, David, and daughter, Elizabeth. Having experienced food insecurity herself during different periods in her life, childhood, young adulthood and once again when starting her own family, she can personally relate to the dignity that is lost as choices become fewer and fewer. Having always been environmentally conscious, Jennie is excited to combine her passion for reducing waste with her desire to address growing food insecurity in her state by providing a space where all are welcome to a meal and a community. She is grateful for the support and encouragement from the local community in helping make Pittsboro’s first Pay-What-You-Can restaurant possible.