The Free Press, founded by Bari Weiss, announced its new "Supper Clubs" initiative, which garnered nearly 500 sign-ups within three hours of its launch. This rapid engagement has prompted the organization to expand the program to additional cities, including Atlanta, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Nashville, and Philadelphia. The initiative aims to connect paid subscribers in real-life settings, fostering community and discussion.
The Supper Clubs are designed to bring together small groups of Free Press subscribers for dinner at local restaurants. Participants fill out a questionnaire, and a matching system places them at a table with five to seven other subscribers. The cost to participate is $18, with dinner expenses paid individually, emphasizing social connection over a fixed-price event.
Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News and founder of The Free Press, shared the news on social media, stating, "> This afternoon, @TheFP announced Supper Clubs. Nearly 500 people have signed up in three hours. And we're adding cities to meet demand. Atlanta, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Nashville, and Philadelphia: you’re next." The program also includes an after-party where multiple tables can converge for further interaction.
The Free Press, which was acquired by Paramount Skydance in October 2025, positions itself as a media company built on principles of honesty, independence, and a commitment to open debate. Its mission is to provide investigative stories and commentary that challenge ideological narratives, encouraging readers to think critically. The Supper Clubs align with this mission by creating spaces for diverse viewpoints to meet and engage in person.
This initiative follows The Free Press's expansion into various community-building efforts, including a forum and live debate events. The Supper Clubs are exclusively available to paid subscribers, reflecting the organization's subscription-based business model. The swift uptake and expansion underscore a significant demand for in-person community engagement among its readership.
