Strengthening Franklin County Through Education, Community & Meaningful Gatherings
The Ben Franklin Society is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community through education, outreach, historic preservation, and fundraising initiatives that create lasting local impact.
Every membership and every fundraising dining event helps make that mission possible.
More Than a Nonprofit. More Than a Restaurant.
The Ben Franklin Society was founded on a simple belief: Communities become stronger when people come together.
For years, we’ve invested in educational initiatives, youth programs, community research, volunteer projects, and local outreach throughout Franklin County.
To help sustain that work, we created Philly in the Woods, a one-of-a-kind private dining experience where every gathering directly supports our nonprofit mission.
It’s not just dinner.
It’s a community investing in itself.
Our Mission
To strengthen our community by creating educational opportunities, supporting local initiatives, preserving meaningful connections, and bringing people together through service, learning, and shared experiences.
Our Vision
To become a place where every meal, every event, and every conversation contributes to a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.
Creating Community Impact Every Day
Scholarship Fund
Student Employment & Training
Homeless & Hidden Homeless Outreach
Historic Research
Community Education
Fundraising Through Philly in the Woods
Every Meal Helps Support Our Mission
Philly in the Woods isn’t simply where we serve food. It’s how we bring people together.
Every private dining event creates opportunities for conversation, friendship, learning, and community while helping fund the charitable work of the Ben Franklin Society.
When you reserve a table, you’re doing far more than enjoying exceptional food. You’re helping support educational initiatives, local outreach, youth programs, community projects, and the future of Franklin County.
Why This Approach Works
People discover us in different ways. Some first discover Philly in the Woods while searching for a unique dining experience. Others learn about the Ben Franklin Society through our nonprofit mission and community work. Together, these two paths strengthen one another, allowing every meal, every membership, and every community project to build greater awareness of the Ben Franklin Society and its mission throughout Franklin County.
A Private Dining Experience Unlike Any Other
Nestled within the peaceful woodlands of Lynch Creek Farm, Philly in the Woods blends the culinary traditions of Philadelphia with the natural beauty of rural North Carolina.
Each event features carefully curated seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully prepared cuisine, and an intimate atmosphere where guests enjoy exceptional food, meaningful conversation, and genuine hospitality.
- Unlike a traditional restaurant, every gathering is intentionally personal.
- Small groups.
- Thoughtfully prepared meals.
- Live entertainment throughout the year.
- And the knowledge that your evening is helping support the charitable mission and community programs of the Ben Franklin Society.
Join the Table. Support the Mission.
Membership is how we welcome guests into our community while helping sustain the charitable work of the Ben Franklin Society.
Because the Ben Franklin Society is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, qualifying dining fees for member fundraising events may be tax-deductible as charitable contributions (tips excluded). Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual tax situation.
As a nonprofit private dining club operating in accordance with North Carolina guidelines, membership is required to attend our fundraising dining events. Joining takes just a couple of minutes, and you’ll immediately be able to reserve your first dining experience while helping fund meaningful community initiatives.
Your Dining Experience Supports Our Mission
Every membership and fundraising dining event helps support scholarships, student employment and training, homeless and hidden homeless outreach, historic research, community education, and other charitable initiatives led by the Ben Franklin Society.
Member Benefits
- Access to private fundraising dining events at Lynch Creek Farm
- Early access to our monthly event calendar
- Seasonal farm-to-table menus curated for each event
- Small, intimate dining experiences in a unique woodland setting
- Directly support local nonprofit programs and community initiatives
Membership Options
| Guest Pass | $5 One-Time |
| Individual | $10 Annual |
| Couple | $15 Annual |
| Family | $25 Annual |
| Group | $50 Event |
Membership fees help support the charitable programs and community initiatives of the Ben Franklin Society.
Every Gathering Creates Lasting Impact
20+
Years Serving
Franklin County
Hundreds
Community
Members Engaged
Multiple
Educational &
Community Programs
Thousands
Volunteer &
Community Service Hours
More Than Great Food
What an amazing experience. It's a quaint, cozy and unique dining experience. The food was exceptional and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The story behind the experience is more important. Excellent causes to support our youth. Follow their story and support the locals.
Tracy
Truly a magical experience, from the beautiful log cabin housing a rustic kitchen over stunning forest views to Bob's amazing talents in the execution of fine Philadelphia foods and his ability to translate passion into learning. Worth the drive and the experience, without hesitation!
Jason
There Are Many Ways to Make a Difference
Whether you’d like to attend a dining event, become a member, volunteer, subscribe to our newsletter, or simply learn more about our mission, we’d love to welcome you into our community.
Every person who joins us helps make the next community project possible.
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Why is the Ben Franklin Society connected to a private dining club?
Our nonprofit hosts fundraising dining events through Philly in the Woods. Revenue from memberships and events helps support our educational, community, and outreach initiatives.
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Do I have to become a member?
Yes. As a North Carolina nonprofit private club, membership is required to attend dining events. Membership is affordable and takes only a few minutes.
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Where does the money go?
Memberships and fundraising events help support educational programs, community outreach, youth initiatives, local projects, and the ongoing mission of the Ben Franklin Society.
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Is everyone welcome?
Absolutely. We welcome individuals, couples, families, and groups who value great food, meaningful conversation, and supporting their community.
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How often are dining events held?
Events are announced through our monthly newsletter and seasonal event calendar.
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Can I support the nonprofit without attending events?
Yes. You can become a member, subscribe to our newsletter, volunteer, or make a donation to support our mission.
A Nonprofit Dedicated to Community, Education, and Meaningful Connections
The Ben Franklin Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Franklin County, North Carolina through education, community outreach, research initiatives, youth development, and fundraising events that bring people together. Our mission is to strengthen local communities by creating opportunities to learn, connect, and serve.
Through our nonprofit private dining club, Philly in the Woods, members enjoy memorable farm-to-table dining experiences while directly supporting community programs and charitable initiatives. Every membership, reservation, and fundraising event contributes to projects that benefit local schools, educational programs, outreach efforts, and the people of Franklin County.
Whether you’re searching for a nonprofit organization to support, a unique private dining experience in North Carolina, or meaningful ways to give back to your community, the Ben Franklin Society welcomes you to become part of our story.