As Altadena, California continues to rebuild a year after the devastating Eaton Fire, the owners of the town's beloved Little Red Hen Café are facing uncertainty about the future of their landmark restaurant. Barbara Shay and her daughter, Annisa Shay, who co-own the cafe, have shared that their efforts to reopen have hit a roadblock. Despite generous donations from Paris Hilton, the 15 Percent Pledge, and a GoFundMe campaign, funding remains the biggest challenge.
The estimated cost to rebuild the restaurant is a staggering $2 million, which the Shays attribute to the fact that "everything costs more." Annisa explains that because they are trying to not only reopen the cafe, but also purchase the building, the cost is higher. She adds that it may even end up being more than $2 million, but that is the minimum amount needed.
For over 50 years, The Little Red Hen on Fair Oaks Avenue has been a beloved community hotspot, especially for first-time Black homeowners in Altadena. Known for its comfort food, lively atmosphere, and frequent celebrity visitors, the restaurant was a staple in the community until it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Now, a year later, the Shays are working to secure ownership of the land where their beloved cafe once stood.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Shays were offered the opportunity to purchase the property from landowner Perry Bennett for a significant sum. However, the offer was later withdrawn, leaving the Shays feeling manipulated at a vulnerable time. Annisa recalls how Bennett initially quoted them $500,000 for the property and promised that the sale could move forward, but then suddenly changed his mind, saying, "We're not selling the property. We're just going to keep it." Annisa's mother Barbara was understandably upset, as Bennett was familiar with their family and the situation they were in.
The Shays worry that even if they do rebuild and lease the space, Bennett could later raise the rent significantly. "He said one thing, then changed his mind," Annisa explains. "So, why would we wait to rebuild when he's probably going to charge us crazy rent?"
Currently, the Shays are searching for a temporary location so they can reopen later this year, while also trying to return to their longtime home on Fair Oaks Avenue. Annisa shares her hope that Altadena will preserve its historic character and avoid gentrification, as many longtime residents are determined to stay and protect their community. She is confident that The Little Red Hen will once again become one of the most cherished dining spots in the area.
"We're definitely going to be back up and running somewhere," Annisa says confidently. "The business will be thriving, and everyone will be showing up as usual. That's how it's going to be. We'll be back in action."
