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Lentil As Anything operated on a 'pay what you feel' model for over two decades but closed permanently in February 2022.
Lentil As Anything, a successful Australian restaurant, allows its customers to pay whatever price they feel like paying for the food.
Lentil As Anything: A Legacy of Pay-What-You-Feel
For over two decades, Lentil As Anything stood as a beacon of unconventional dining and community spirit in Australia. This unique restaurant group operated on a groundbreaking 'pay what you feel' model, inviting patrons to contribute what they could afford, volunteer their time, or even pay forward for future diners.
Founded by Shanaka Fernando in 2000, Lentil As Anything wasn't just about food; it was a social experiment rooted in trust and generosity. It aimed to provide nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals in a welcoming atmosphere, removing financial barriers to access good food.
The Radical 'Pay What You Feel' Model
At the heart of Lentil As Anything's philosophy was the belief that everyone deserves a meal, regardless of their financial circumstances. Instead of fixed prices, diners were encouraged to consider the cost of ingredients, overheads, and the value of their experience, then contribute what they genuinely felt was appropriate.
- Financial Contribution: Customers could simply leave money in a donation box.
- Volunteering Time: Many chose to help out in the kitchen, serving, or cleaning, becoming part of the restaurant's operational fabric.
- Paying it Forward: Some generous patrons opted to pay more than the suggested amount, subsidizing meals for those who could afford less.
This radical approach fostered an incredibly inclusive environment. It attracted a diverse clientele, from students and artists to those experiencing homelessness, creating a genuine cross-section of society sharing meals together.
Community, Volunteers, and Sustainability
Lentil As Anything was largely powered by a dedicated team of volunteers. These individuals, often drawn to the organization's ethos, contributed countless hours, making the unique model sustainable for many years. Their efforts went beyond serving food; they built a vibrant community hub.
The restaurants also embraced sustainability, actively working to reduce food waste. They often sourced surplus ingredients from local markets, transforming what might have been discarded into delicious meals. This commitment to both social and environmental responsibility resonated deeply with many.
The End of an Era
Despite its profound social impact and the thousands it fed, Lentil As Anything faced persistent financial struggles. Operating on such a fluid revenue model presented ongoing challenges, and the organization accumulated significant debt over time. Like many hospitality businesses, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a devastating blow.
The drastic reduction in foot traffic, coupled with decreased volunteer availability and donations, proved too much to overcome. After more than two decades of pioneering community dining, Lentil As Anything announced its permanent closure in February 2022. This marked the end of an era for a truly unique Australian institution.
While the physical restaurants may no longer exist, the legacy of Lentil As Anything continues to inspire. Its innovative 'pay what you feel' model demonstrated the power of trust, community, and radical generosity, leaving an indelible mark on Australia's social landscape and sparking conversations about alternative economic models in the food industry.
