Born From a Need of Belonging

The Gathered Table was born from a simple truth: people are craving connection. After years of observation, we witnessed how isolation continues to grow even as our cities stay busy.

Church attendance and community gatherings are declining, third spaces are disappearing, and nearly 60% of Americans report feeling lonely. We fill the void with technology, busyness, and quick distractions, but what we really need is genuine relationships with individuals we are surrounded by.

The Gathered Table is the response to that need. A place that brings people back to the table—literally. A space where food rebuilds what we’ve lost: authentic conversation, shared laughter, cultural connection, and a sense of belonging. One bowl, one story, and one gathering at a time.

We believe connection isn’t something you stumble into, it’s something you cultivate with intention. After observing how people naturally meet, mingle, and build belonging, we identified five core ways people connect. These five pillars will help guide our events, programming, and the gatherings we host.

The Five Pillars of Community Building

  • A man drawing on a canvas.

    Create & Express

    Everyone has a story, a talent, or a spark worth sharing.

    Through art, dance, writing, music, cooking, and other forms of self-expression, we help people tap into their creativity.

  • Two women hugging on a beach.

    Gather & Grow

    Community thrives when people come together with purpose.

    Whether it’s building relationships, networking, volunteering, or advocating for causes that matter, the community grows stronger through a collective effort.

  • Two women sharing a laugh at a table with computers.

    Live & Learn

    When curiosity meets wisdom, people naturally see the world with wider perspective.

    By listening deeply, learning new skills, receiving mentorship, and exchanging knowledge, we strengthen understanding across generations and backgrounds.

  • A group walking through the snow.

    Nature & Nurture

    Movement is freeing, and nature is the original gathering space.

    The outdoors invites people to reconnect with the world around us — whether through neighborhood walks, gardening, or any outdoor activity.

  • A man reading in a chair.

    Relax & Reflect

    Sometimes you need a space that lets people slow down, breathe, and simply be.

    Whether that’s forming a book club, reflecting on the week with others, or taking breathing exercises to decompress.

Meet the Founder

Jaylen Lyles
Head of the Table

A photo of the Founder, Jaylen Lyles.

Jaylen is a community-builder, storyteller, lifelong cook and foodie who believes food has the power to bridge cultures and create true belonging.

With a background in communications, community engagement, and strategic event planning, he has spent the past several years creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected.

Inspired by global travels, family meals, and a love of comfort food with a cultural twist, Jaylen founded The Gathered Table to turn a passion into a purpose-driven business—one dedicated to nourishing both body and spirit through meaningful gathering.