In this episode, Renee talks with Jeff and Julie Williams, co-founders of Taste Project in Fort Worth, Texas — one of the largest and most distinctive community cafes in the country. With a full-service, sit-down restaurant model and an ACF-accredited culinary apprenticeship program, Taste Project is doing things a little differently in the pay-what-you-can world.

Jeff shares how a persistent calling led him to open Taste Project in 2017, and how a dream — literally — set the wheels in motion for a second location in Arlington, made possible through an unlikely partnership with the city. Julie, who also serves as president of One World Everybody Eats, offers an honest look at what the network means for cafes nationwide and why the “self-sustaining model” myth is one of the first things new cafe founders need to let go of.

Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Taste Project. He has always had a passion for cooking, food, and feeding people. Being half Italian, Jeff’s heritage feeds his passion and discovery in the area of Italian cuisine.

His vision for Taste Project is different than a growing, profit generating, Italian restaurant. His vision is not a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen, but a place where everyday folks eat; and those who could not afford to eat there could still enjoy a meal in the restaurant. In June 2012, Jeff launched Taste Project, and in December 2017, the organization launched Taste Community Restaurant.

Jeff works full-time for Taste Project and attends Gateway Church.

Julie Williams
Julie Williams is the Co-Founder of Taste Project and has helped lead its mission and growth since launching the organization in 2012. With a background in healthcare marketing, Julie brings creativity, strategic vision, and heart to the development of Taste Community Restaurant and future initiatives.

Taste Project is a nonprofit organization that fights food insecurity through a pay-what-you-can restaurant model, providing dignified access to healthy meals while creating a welcoming space for people from all walks of life to share a table.

Julie currently serves as President of the One World Everybody Eats Board of Directors and is passionate about building strong communities through hospitality, inclusion, and nourishment.

She lives in Fort Worth with her husband and co-founder, Jeff, and their son, Brian. Outside of her work, she enjoys running, family time, and being actively involved in her church community.