the builders dinner

A gathering for the folks who keep the lights on, the water running, and the wheels turning

The builders

The fixers

The welders

The carpenters

The plumbers

The electricians

The artisans

The makers

The small business owners

The people who make this town feel like home

A small, invitation-only dinner hosted monthly in Hockessin for local tradespeople, craftspeople, and small business owners to share a meal, connect, and build community.

14 seats. Good food. Good people. No pretense.

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what this dinner is

a table for the trades, the makers, and the community keepers

This dinner is for the people who work with their hands, their minds, their skill, and their craft - the ones who solve problems, build things that last, and keep our little corner of the world running.

It's one night a month to slow down, share a meal, and meet others who understand the long days, the unpredictability, the pride, and the satisfaction that comes with building or fixing something real.

No agenda.

No presentations.

Just connection, conversation, and community

In a world where everyone is rushed and disconnected, we wanted to create a place where people who build, create, and fix things could gather with other who get it.

What is a Builder?

A builder isn't just someone with tools.

A builder is someone who shows up - even when the job is messy, uncertain, or inconvenient.

A builder is someone who figure it out.

Someone who doesn't walk away when the work gets complicated.

Someone who takes pride in doing things the right way, not the easy way.

Builders make things safer, stronger, more beautiful, more functional.

They hold communities together - sometimes literally.

You don't have to swing a hammer to be a builder.

If you create, repair, solve, craft, serve, or improve - you're one of us.

This dinner exists to honor that.

Why only 14 seats?

Small is intentional

A table of 14 keeps the conversation warm, real, and meaningful.

Everyone has space.

Everyone is seen.

Everyone gets to tell a story, share a moment, or just listen.

And because dinner is prepared specifically for each guest, if you RSVP, we ask that you plan to attend.

Your seat is truly yours.

If something urgent comes up, just let us know so we can offer it to the next person on the list.

come as you are

Most guests arrive straight from job sites, shops, barns, garages, or trucks.

Work boots, hoodies, dust, paint, grease, and end-of-day shirts are all welcome.

Clean up if you want - but it's absolutely not required.

This dinner is about community, not clothing.

Upcoming Builders Dinners

We host one Builders Dinner each month so more people have a chance to join.

Choose the date that works best for you.

Tuesday, January 27

6:30pm

Drip Cafe

Hockessin, DE

Tuesday, February 24

6:30pm

Drip Cafe

Hockessin, DE

Tuesday, March 31

6:30pm

Drip Cafe

Hockessin, DE

why we're hosting this

I'm a local Hockessin neighbor who's attempting to build a homestead - one project, one misadventure at a time.

From replacing 3-way switches in a 150-year-old house, to chopping wood, troubleshooting broken things, wresting with projects that never go as planned, and still wondering about that loud buzzing in my car...I've gained a huge appreciation for the people who actually know how to get things done.

People whose work you can touch.

People whose skills matter when something breaks, leaks, falls, jams, or refuses to cooperate.

People who don't get enough recognition for how much they contribute to this community.

This dinner is simply a thank you.

A chance to honor the people who build things that matter - and to create a community where craftsmanship, honesty, pride, and connection still mean something.

The work is hard.

The pressure is real.

But the community is strong.

This table makes room for that.

how the rsvp works

When you reserve one of the 14 seats, dinner is prepared for you.

If something urgent comes up, just let us know - we completely understand.

But please avoid last-minute no-shows if you can.

You'll receive:

- a confirmation message

- a reminder the day before

- a "see you soon" message the afternoon of the dinner

And just so you know - you're welcome to come exactly as you are.

Most people arrive straight from work.

FAQ

Do I need to dress up?

Nope. Come as you are - boots, dust, end-of-day gear and all.

Can I bring someone?

Seats are limited to 14, so we keep RSVPs individual unless invited otherwise

Does it cost anything?

No - dinner is on us.

Who is this for?

Tradespeople, makers, small business owners, craftspeople, dog groomers, artisans, jewelers, and others who keep this community working.

If You've Worked All Day and Enjoy Good Food...

Come sit at the table.

If you're curious, interested, or even just thinking "maybe," go ahead and request an invitation.

We'll save you a seat for when the time is right.

the builders dinner

A gathering for the folks who keep the lights on, the water running, and the wheels turning

A small, invitation-only dinner hosted monthly in Hockessin for local tradespeople, craftspeople, and small business owners to share a meal, connect, and build community.

14 seats. Good food. Good people. No pretense.

what this dinner is

a table for the trades, the makers, and the community keepers

This dinner is for the people who work with their hands, their minds, their skill, and their craft - the ones who solve problems, build things that last, and keep our little corner of the world running.

It's one night a month to slow down, share a meal, and meet others who understand the long days, the unpredictability, the pride, and the satisfaction that comes with building or fixing something real.

No agenda.

Just connection, conversation, and community

In a world where everyone is rushed and disconnected, we wanted to create a place where people who build, create, and fix things could gather with other who get it.

What is a Builder?

Why only 14 seats?

Small is intentional

A table of 14 keeps the conversation warm, real, and meaningful.

Everyone has space.

Everyone is seen.

Everyone gets to tell a story, share a moment, or just listen.

And because dinner is prepared specifically for each guest, if you RSVP, we ask that you plan to attend.

Your seat is truly yours.

If something urgent comes up, just let us know so we can offer it to the next person on the list.

come as you are

Most guests arrive straight from job sites, shops, barns, garages, or trucks.

Work boots, hoodies, dust, paint, grease, and end-of-day shirts are all welcome.

Clean up if you want - but it's absolutely not required.

This dinner is about community, not clothing.

Upcoming Builders Dinners

We host one Builders Dinner each month so more people have a chance to join.

Choose the date that works best for you.

why we're hosting this

I'm a local Hockessin neighbor who's attempting to build a homestead - one project, one misadventure at a time.

From replacing 3-way switches in a 150-year-old house, to chopping wood, troubleshooting broken things, wresting with projects that never go as planned, and still wondering about that loud buzzing in my car...I've gained a huge appreciation for the people who actually know how to get things done.

People whose work you can touch.

People whose skills matter when something breaks, leaks, falls, jams, or refuses to cooperate.

People who don't get enough recognition for how much they contribute to this community.

This dinner is simply a thank you.

A chance to honor the people who build things that matter - and to create a community where craftsmanship, honesty, pride, and connection still mean something.

The pressure is real.

But the community is strong.

This table makes room for that.

how the rsvp works

When you reserve one of the 14 seats, dinner is prepared for you.

If something urgent comes up, just let us know - we completely understand.

But please avoid last-minute no-shows if you can.

You'll receive:

- a confirmation message

- a reminder the day before

- a "see you soon" message the afternoon of the dinner

And just so you know - you're welcome to come exactly as you are.

Most people arrive straight from work.

FAQ

If You've Worked All Day and Enjoy Good Food...

questions?

If you have a question about the dinner, the dates, or anything else, you can reach Lisa directly