2 Mexico City chefs launched an international ‘Pay What You Can’ model. How did it go?

In Mexico City, two chefs have launched a groundbreaking initiative called "Pay What You Can" (PWYC) to make world-class dining accessible to everyone. The model, which allows diners to pay whatever they can afford, was first implemented on August 26 and has since been adopted by more than 20 restaurants in the city and over 100 across 14 countries.

Oscar Lopez of The Guardian describes the socioeconomic divide in Mexico City as "unbelievably unequal," with a small percentage of the population possessing 40% of the country's wealth. The city's affluent neighborhoods, such as Santa Fe, starkly contrast with the poverty endured by millions of families. This wealth gap extends to dining experiences, where only a select few can enjoy popular restaurants in the city.

The founders of Masala y Maíz, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mexico City's historic center, Norma Listman and Saqib Keval, launched the PWYC model as a response to these disparities. They aimed to create a space where all diners could partake in the city's culinary offerings, regardless of their financial situation. The initiative was originally born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the couple sought ways to keep their staff employed and maintain the restaurant's operations.

The PWYC model has opened doors for many diners in Mexico City, providing an opportunity to enjoy high-end cuisine without the barrier of a fixed price. While the program's initial impact is still unfolding, it marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of inequitable access to dining experiences in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities.