Interested in expanding a social circle without going far from home? Looking to meet new people who share similar hobbies and interests? Ready to shake up the usual night out with dinner at a surprise restaurant? 

That's the idea behind The Current Table, a curated dinner club from The Current GA that gives Coastal Georgia residents a fun way to socialize with neighbors we haven’t yet met — and support local businesses, too.

The first dinner takes place Thursday, Nov. 19, in Savannah, with plans to bring the experience to communities throughout Coastal Georgia. Booking is open now until seats are filled.

How it works

Participants register online and answer some short questions about themselves and their interests. Our online platform matches you with several other guests for dinner at a local restaurant. The restaurant is revealed the morning of the event, adding a little anticipation to the evening.

There's no formal program or agenda at dinner, just a chance for neighbors to share a meal and see where the conversation goes. It might turn to king tides along the Georgia coast, the latest manga obsession, family stories, the Dawgs' chances this weekend or which backyard bird has the most recognizable call. The conversation is whatever the people around the table make of it.

Created by The Current GA, Coastal Georgia's independent, nonprofit newsroom, the dinner club reflects the organization's belief that stronger communities begin with people getting to know one another.

Whether new to the area, hoping to expand their circle of friends or simply looking for something different to do, Coastal Georgia participants can pull up a chair at The Current Table and make new connections.

Participants sign up online and answer a few basic questions, including their restaurant preferences and dinner budgets. The Current Table handles the matching and reservations, and guests receive a text confirmation with the time and location of their dinner.

Multiple groups may dine at different locations on the same evening, with some events featuring an optional gathering afterward. Participants purchase a ticket to join the experience and pay for their own food and drinks at the restaurant. All proceeds from booking benefit the mission of The Current GA.

Registration is now open at thecurrenttable.dnnr.io