“Food is a binder. It’s what brings us together.” That’s the recurring theme in our conversations every time we chat with Chef Dayna Lee — owner of Comal 864.
For the fifth (and final) year, Lee is organizing a community meal that will serve hundreds of Greenvillians beginning at 12 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Comal 864’s final service at its Woodside location will be Saturday, Nov. 29, making way for Little Secret to take over in early 2026. You can still enjoy Lee’s food at her restaurant’s Midtown location.
The 2023 James Beard Semifinalist is quick to serve others, from the guests who walk in the door of her restaurant to experience her birria tacos to community members in need of a warm coat. Plus, she’s given away 10,000+ tacos to people experiencing food insecurity who walk into her restaurant hungry.
“Let me make you a plate so we can bond,” Lee says. “Whether you’re here because you need food, because you’re alone for the holiday, or because you’d like to serve, my biggest goal is that we have a space to be together.”
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate money — this supports supplies, food, and other essentials
- Donate items — they’re looking for new and gently-used clothes (think: coats, jackets, gloves), blankets, non-perishable food items + hygiene products
- Volunteer — bring prepared sides, turkeys, and hams or just yourself to help sort clothes and prepare plates
“This is my favorite day of the year, every year,” Lee says. “Being able to do stuff like this is a huge blessing, and when I see familiar faces come in to help make the day go smoother, it’s like everyone is sparkling with a little glimmer of magic.”
