Jackie Bannon, who owns vegetarian eatery The Bowling Club with husband Liam Arthur, said their success was due to people wanting to be part of something that "feels good".
"People have a desire to support each other and what we are doing."
The number of meals served has trebled from 300 a night since they moved from a food truck last year into premises in South Rd, Caversham.
The Bowling Club is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3.30pm to 8pm.
People bringing their own container pay an advisory $4 for a main dish — or $5 if they need a container. Alternately, people can pay "nothing, or $2 or whatever is cool".
"These are just guidelines; we are not that strict," Ms Bannon said.
About one in 20 people pick up a "free food" voucher at the door.
Sam Fitzgerald said eating meat ran in her family — her grandfather had been a butcher at Barton’s in Stafford St.
"But I’ve learned to adjust to the hippy food here. It’s tasty, cheap and handy."
Ms Fitzgerald had even "tried the vegan mince and it wasn’t too bad".
Raukura Tutahione said she got a couple of meals a week to take away for dinners and to have at work.
"There are heaps of reasons to come.
"There should be more places like this.
"I come here for the curry. I wouldn’t know how to make it myself.
Peanut satay curry and a Thai noodle salad were on the menu last night.
Dessert, at an advisory price of $3, was apple pie and custard or jaffa cake.
Ms Tutahione applauded the opportunity for people to "pay it forward" and fund a meal for someone else.
"The ideals and ideas of this place are awesome."
A man in the queue who did not want to be named said "it’s quite amazing".
"I don’t know how they do it. I sometimes add a few bucks on."
Ms Bannon and Mr Arthur are keen to share their business model with others.
"It would be cool if other people took on the idea," Ms Bannon said.
