In Minneapolis, a South Minneapolis cafe has shifted its business model in response to local unrest and broader challenges facing the restaurant industry, transitioning to a pay-what-you-wish, donation-based operation. The move, initiated by owner Dylan Alverson in early 2023, coincided with protests following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the deployment of thousands of federal immigration officers under Operation Metro Surge.

Alverson, who has owned Modern Times for 15 years, announced on social media shortly after Pretti’s death that the cafe would stop charging customers directly and instead rely on donations, a decision he framed as a protest against paying sales taxes to a government he views as inflicting harm. The restaurant was subsequently renamed Post Modern Times. Alverson has since made the pay-what-you-wish system permanent, reporting that 40 to 50 percent of patrons now dine without paying. Despite this, he says the restaurant has flourished, surpassing previous business outcomes while employing 22 staff members.

Located within the former offices of an alternative newspaper and literary center, Post Modern Times offers a pared-down menu focused on fresh, made-to-order breakfast items, including homemade bread and local ingredients. Customers have praised the quality of the food, citing it as a notable departure from typical donation-based food services. One patron described being impressed by the freshly prepared meals and variety of drink options compared to packaged offerings at food banks.

Alverson’s vision extends beyond economic survival to a broader ethical commitment to hospitality. By serving individuals who might otherwise be excluded from dining out due to financial constraints, Post Modern Times challenges conventional restaurant business models. “There’s an unspoken agreement in America that some people are not worth anything,” Alverson said. “I disagree with that.” He views this approach as a potential solution to systemic issues within the industry, which he describes as being under considerable strain from rising costs, labor shortages, and structural inequities.

The challenges faced by Post Modern Times reflect wider trends affecting U.S. restaurants. According to industry data, 42 percent of restaurant owners reported unprofitability in 2023, with many facing increased expenses for labor, rent, and supplies. The Independent Restaurant Coalition reported that one in four smaller, independent establishments surveyed in February were at risk of closing. Coalition executive director Erika Polmar characterized the industry as “getting absolutely squeezed,” highlighting the growing burden imposed by ancillary service providers.

Community response to Post Modern Times has been mixed. While many appreciate its inclusive atmosphere and support for vulnerable residents, some neighbors have expressed concerns about increased risks of crime. To address this, the restaurant enlists volunteers with experience in conflict mediation and community outreach to provide security and de-escalate incidents onsite.

Employees and regular customers describe the restaurant as a space that fosters dignity and mutual respect. Line cook Fernando Amador, an immigrant from Colombia who temporarily stayed home during heightened immigration enforcement, expressed gratitude for Alverson’s support and the inclusive environment. Other patrons highlight the diverse clientele and the importance of shared community experiences that transcend socioeconomic barriers.

Alverson remains focused on refining the model, viewing the project as both a business experiment and a form of social commentary. “We’ve created a place of economic equality that doesn’t really exist in a business setting,” he said. Looking forward, he hopes to learn from the café’s ongoing experiment and consider its implications for the future of hospitality and independent restaurants.