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BIPOC-Owned Artisanal Cheese and Coffee Shop Opens in Historic Old Pasadena

New venture merges build-your-own cheese boxes with community-focused retail space
Published on Oct 31, 2024

Self-proclaimed as Los Angeles’s first build-your-own cheese box bar and coffee shop is set to open its doors Friday in Old Pasadena, marking a significant expansion of minority-owned businesses in the historic district.

The new establishment, Neighbors and Friends, located at 88 E. Union Street, represents a collaborative venture between entrepreneurs Kaiy Smith-Biesman, founder of Stems: Cheese, Charcuterie, and Catering, and Hannah Said of Saffron Cowboy.

The partnership crystallized in spring 2024 through the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship (LEEAF) program for Black, Indigenous and People of Color women, where Smith-Biesman and Said discovered shared values that would eventually transform their individual enterprises.

The location choice carries personal significance for Smith-Biesman, as the street address, 88, coincides with her birth date of Aug. 8, 1988, adding a serendipitous touch to the venture.

After initially considering the name “Stems x Saffron Cowboy,” the partners underwent business therapy and a 90-day trial collaboration before establishing their unified vision as Neighbors and Friends.

The establishment will feature locally sourced products from BIPOC and nonbinary artisans, offering a distinctive blend of coffee service alongside their signature cheese selections and entertaining products.

The grand opening celebration on Nov. 1, from noon to 7 p.m., will showcase the venue’s multifaceted offerings through music, food, drinks, and community activities.

Beyond its retail operations, Neighbors and Friends plans to host various workshops, including floral arranging, coffee tastings, and cheese board creation, aimed at fostering community connections.

The concept evolved from what was originally planned and transformed over a two-year period into a broader community-focused enterprise.

Said, previously hesitant to leave corporate employment, joined forces with Smith-Biesman after their successful trial period, leading to their current partnership.

The establishment aims to redefine food and beverage retail in Old Pasadena, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement while featuring handcrafted gifts from underserved makers.

For more about the new Pasadena business, visit https://www.weareneighborsandfriends.com/.

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