Refugee Supper Club started when David Lander and Jonny Zackman came across the Refugee Food Festival in France — a project using food to shift how people see refugees, to celebrate culture, and to create professional opportunities for chefs. They were inspired by the idea that sharing a meal could connect people and open doors for talented chefs who had been displaced from their homes.

They brought the concept back to their local community, starting small by hosting dinners that featured refugee chefs in Cambridge kitchens. The goal was simple: provide a platform for chefs to share their stories and their food, and invite community members to experience it firsthand. Early events focused on creating a space where guests could engage with the chefs, ask questions, and learn about their journeys.

Over time, Refugee Supper Club has grown into an ongoing project and features an annual food festival!