Restaurants in Dorchester and Union Square are joining a global initiative encouraging diners to pay what they can for their meals on Wednesday, August 26. The event, known as Paga lo Que Puedas—or Pay What You Can—originated from Masala y Maíz, a restaurant in Mexico City, and involves more than 100 participating eateries across 13 countries.

Among the local participants are Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester and Barra in Union Square, both independently owned establishments aiming to make dining more accessible amid rising costs. Nyacko Pearl Perry, cofounder of Comfort Kitchen, emphasized the goal of welcoming customers who might otherwise feel priced out. “We would like our space to welcome them,” Perry said, noting ongoing challenges with balancing quality and affordability. She described the restaurant’s approach as creating “luxurious experiences” without the formality or exclusivity associated with fine dining.

To ensure the pay-what-you-can model remains sustainable, Comfort Kitchen has implemented an internal safety net. This involves supplementing staff tips based on the team’s average earnings from a typical Wednesday night, aiming to protect employees’ income amidst varied customer payments. Perry acknowledged that many restaurants might be unable to participate due to already tight financial margins. Her cofounder and husband, Biplaw Rai, sees the initiative as a learning opportunity, intending to analyze payment patterns and consumer generosity and to share findings with other restaurateurs.

At Barra, co-owner Paola Ibarra spoke of the restaurant’s efforts to adjust pricing outside the promotion by offering more affordable options as customers become more cautious with spending. While acknowledging the financial impact on small businesses like hers, Ibarra expressed a willingness to absorb some risk in the spirit of community support. “If the risk is someone says, ‘I can’t pay a lot,’ we’re happy to share the cost with other customers,” she said, calling the initiative a positive step toward maintaining connection with the local community.

The Pay What You Can event offers a unique glimpse into how restaurants and diners might navigate economic pressures together, balancing accessibility with sustainability in the hospitality sector.