In wake of southern California wildfires, a diverse small business community looks to rebuild
When the Los Angeles wildfires swept through Southern California in January, Barbara Shay lost much more than the building housing the cafe she owned.
When the Los Angeles wildfires swept through Southern California in January, Barbara Shay lost much more than the building housing the cafe she owned.
Gone were the ingredients for menu items like grits or pancakes. Gone were the photos of icons ranging from former President Barack Obama to actor Richard Pryor that had lined the walls. Gone, too, were the decades of labor from Shay’s family.
“I am still in shock,” Shay said in an interview with CNBC. “It’s an emotional roller coaster — not just for me, but just for everyone.”
Shay is part of the diverse fabric of small business owners in Altadena, a town about 15 miles outside downtown L.A that was hard hit by last month’s blaze. As the community starts the yearslong rebuilding process, entrepreneurs like Shay are starting to chart their paths forward.
She plans to rebuild the 70-year-old Little Red Hen Coffee Shop and is evaluating the finances for opening up a temporary storefront or popups. The business spans generations: After following in the footsteps of her mother and brother in owning the business, she now works alongside her daughter and grandson.
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