The power couple behind a powerfully simple communal event
There’s some magic in sitting down for a meal with others. And if that’s true of even a small dinner between two, The Longest Table, a 1,000-person outdoor potluck, amplifies that magic exponentially. Co-founded by Maryam Banikarim and Andy Lerner, this remarkable event was born out of a deep desire and need for connection during the isolated early months of the pandemic. Inspired by a simple image of shared meals in Egypt, Maryam envisioned a communal gathering on her own Chelsea street, where honking cars could be replaced with the sounds of community. What they created was instantly popular, transformative,
Since its inception, The Longest Table has blossomed, drawing more New Yorkers each year. And it’s a testament to the potential the couple sees in people-centered public space. We talked with Maryam and Andy about the powerful impact of this grassroots movement and their vision for nurturing community bonds long after the table is cleared.
The Longest Table, 2024. Credit: Bruno Savoca for NYCNext.
What inspired you to start The Longest Table?
We were inspired to start "The Longest Table" by the desire to connect with our neighbors – those we’d gotten to know during the pandemic and those we would see around but didn’t know yet.
When Maryam saw a picture of neighbors sharing a meal down a street together in Egypt, she thought, “what if we did that?” It seemed like a joyful way to appreciate our neighborhood and connect us all. We are long-time Chelsea residents, co-founders of NYCNext (a non-profit created to connect New Yorkers), and we actually live on an open street. That combination of circumstances made the whole idea seem possible. When Maryam posted the picture of the Egyptian shared meal on Nextdoor, the response was overwhelming– over 400 engaged with it. Seeing such enthusiasm, Maryam met with a few neighbors over coffee, and together we planned what would become a community lunch open to all. The proposition is simple: we provide tables and chairs, and you bring friends and food. The first year 500 showed up, the second 700+, and this past year 1,000 – we literally ran out of room for any more seats up and down the length of our block.
When did it become clear to you that this communal act was a powerful one?
It became clear when 500 neighbors showed up! We loved what David, a neighbor, said: "[The Longest Table] gave me a renewed dopamine hit of NYC, and it was lovely meeting neighbors I see but have never met. It was perfect – an eclectic mix of young and old, gay and straight, public and private... and everything in between."
Open Plans staff and family at The Longest Table.
Do you have a favorite moment from this year’s event?
It's hard to pinpoint just one favorite moment. The entire experience is special. What we love most is witnessing our diverse community come together and share the collective joy – from every warm hello and friendly handshake to the countless shared meals. These seemingly simple interactions create a magical atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of community. It's these moments of genuine connection that make The Longest Table such a meaningful and unforgettable event for everyone involved.
How did you get involved in public space and urbanism?
As the co-founders of NYCNext, we witnessed firsthand how public spaces became our shared safe havens during the pandemic. We organized pop-up events in Times Square, on the Met steps, and in Far Rockaway, bringing joy to New Yorkers in challenging times. This experience, coupled with living on an open street in Chelsea, inspired The Longest Table where the shared street - a place equal to all since no one owns or controls it – is essential to the success of this day and our community in general.
What do you think makes The Longest Table such a special experience?
The Longest Table is special because it's a simple yet powerful way to connect, eat, and build community, all while spreading joy. It brings neighbors together to share a meal and conversation, fostering genuine relationships and a sense of belonging. What makes it truly unique is that it's not just an event, but a growing movement with real impact. We're seeing the concept spread to other neighborhoods and cities, inspiring more communities to come together and create their own versions of The Longest Table. This ripple effect shows how a simple idea can have far-reaching positive impacts, strengthening communities one shared meal at a time.
How do you think we can make the magic and the connection of The Longest Table continue to nurture us on an ongoing basis? How do we create the space for the event to create lasting impact on community?
To keep the spirit of connection, community-building, and joy alive from The Longest Table, we can focus on small, everyday actions. While we can't predict exactly how these efforts will unfold, nurturing connections consistently can lead to a stronger, more resilient community over time. The 2023 research findings show the event's powerful impact:
87% of respondents formed new connections
62% experienced reduced feelings of loneliness
81% are likely to participate in future community activities
As a result of The Longest Table, we see neighbors having coffee on the stoop and meeting each other. We've observed people hosting informal stoop coffee gatherings with neighbors, organizing housewarming events for new neighbors, collaborating to solve local neighborhood problems, and simply saying hello to neighbors on the street. These ongoing interactions create opportunities for connection, belonging, and joy. By maintaining the inclusive, participatory approach of The Longest Table in our daily lives, we foster a community where everyone feels welcome and valued, often leading to unexpected positive outcomes.
Aside from The Longest Table, what’s your favorite thing to do, or favorite space to visit, in the city?
Aside from The Longest Table, we love experiencing New York City's diverse offerings across all five boroughs.
A good stoop sit
Exploring parks like Hudson River Park and Prospect Park
Enjoying outdoor cultural events in public spaces
People-watching or reading in outdoor settings
Sitting on the Metropolitan Museum steps
Watching surfers at Far Rockaway
Experiencing Coney Island's boardwalk and Cyclone
Taking the Staten Island Ferry for Italian food with the Noonas
Sampling global cuisines at Queens Night Market
Participating in Lincoln Center plaza events like silent discos and the BAAND Together Dance Festival
What we love most is the city's walkability, its constant surprises, and especially the endless energy of New Yorkers coming together in public spaces. The list of things to do is endless, but it's the people and shared experiences that make New York truly special.
What’s next?
We’d love to see 100 happen across the five boroughs including one big one across the Brooklyn Bridge. At the same time, people are reaching out to us, and hosting them across the country and the world. Connecting neighbors to each other, spreading joy and rediscovering our shared humanity – that’s what it's all about.
Maryam is a C-Suite executive turned community activist. After leading five major businesses through sweeping transformations and top-line growth, Maryam turned her attention to building community and driving civic participation in NYC. She co-founded NYCNext during the pandemic, mobilizing a volunteer army of 700 passionate New Yorkers. Most recently Maryam co-founded and launched the award-winning We❤️NYC campaign.
Andy is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of two data companies, Trust Metrics and Urban Data Solutions. He also co-founded Format Studio, a digital media strategy and development firm. In 2020, Andy co-founded NYCNext and serves as the head of operations, finance, and production for the non-profit. He also served as co-lead for launching We❤️NYC.