Specialty Café & Bakery
We are a neighborhood café located in the heart of the playhouse district of Pasadena, CA, where neighbors and visitors gather for specialty coffees, teas, and baked goods. There is always something for all eaters- including gluten-free and vegan options. Featuring our famous breakfast biscuit Sammie to fuel your morning and sammies on house-baked bread for lunch., We prioritize clean ingredients and partner with responsible growers, roasters, and tea farms that embrace the same ethos of sustainable-regenerative growing practices! ))
A little About Us
We take great pride in working exclusively with coffee and tea purveyors that source through a direct trade model. This commitment to quality and sustainability was inspired in part by the sisters – Deborah, JoJo, Chef Leah, and Chef's daughter, Gigi Rose, who recently joined our female family business.
The eldest sister, Deborah, passed away in December 2024, but she remains a vibrant and beloved reminder to do things right! She had a unique way of expressing her passion for good coffee by gently yelling (as if that is a thing) expletives at guests like "How's your Mthr Fking coffee!?" She had a 100% laughter rate with patrons and is fondly remembered for her outrageous F-Bomb coffee.
Deb's enthusiasm was always infectious. Her belief in the importance of good coffee, good food, and a healthy planet resonated deeply with our values. We believe that what you put in your cup matters. It matters for the farmers who grow the beans, the roasters who craft the perfect blend, and the community that enjoys the final product. We're passionate about what we do, and we're committed to making a positive impact on both our customers and the environment.
So, what's in your cup? We invite you to savor the quality, sustainability, and community spirit that goes into every cup of our coffee and tea.
How Hello Started…
At Hello, You're Welcome, our journey started with a simple idea: to offer damn good coffee, unique baked goods, and clean food that everyone can enjoy. We emphasize "everyone" because it's surprisingly difficult to find gluten-free and vegan baked goods that are delicious and made with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and respect the planet.
From the outset, we've understood that as a corporation and small investment group, we have the ability to make a positive impact through our purchasing decisions. We're just as dedicated to sourcing and understanding our vendors as we are to finding the finest ingredients for our baked goods. We believe in supporting businesses that make a difference in the world, including partnering with coffee and tea purveyors who operate directly in trade and are farm-to-cup.
Hello, You're Welcome is more than just a café; it's a movement. We are a community that believes in the transformative power of conscious choices. Our mission is to create a space where deliciousness and mindfulness coexist, and every bite and sip celebrates flavor, sustainability, and well-being. Join us on this journey of mindful indulgence, where good food, good people, and a commitment to caring for one another and our planet come together.
Family owned and operated…. get to know us.
Chef Leah Delyte
Gathering people around the table is my joy.
With over two decades in the culinary world, Chef Leah Delyte brings roots and revelations to the table, rooted in her vibrant Southern Italian upbringing and North African heritage. Growing up in a family steeped in the food industry—where her grandfather Loui owned restaurants in Manhattan and her father was an artisan butcher—Leah's passion for food was nurtured from a young age. As the youngest in the family, she eagerly accompanied her father in the garden and sometimes hunting- learning invaluable lessons about respecting Mother Earth. Leah's culinary journey has earned her accolades in renowned publications such as The Boston Globe, Sunset Magazine, Huffington Post, and LA Weekly. As a dedicated advocate for young women in the culinary arts and local farmers, she has been honored as Riverside County's Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year, alongside multiple "Business of the Year" awards. She rocks 'a resting chef face' that can seem spicy, but her heart is enormous, driven by a genuine desire to serve good food that nurtures both body and community—committed to creating a sustainable food environment that brings people together around the table.
Jo Jo
Coming from a big American/Italian Family, talking with my hands is what I do!
JoJo Scott: The Financial Dynamo and our fearless CFO, with over 40 years of experience managing budgets and running successful businesses. Jo is the powerhouse behind our financial planning. Growing up in a lively, loud, and funny Italian-American family in Brooklyn, New York, she has always believed in the joy of food and the importance of gathering people around the table. Her journey took her to Anchorage, Alaska, where she applied her expertise in business management with the City of Anchorage and the University, all while fostering a strong sense of community. JoJo’s passion for good food and meticulous budgeting makes her an invaluable asset, ensuring our operations run smoothly and sustainably. Now, she bosses her little sister, Chef Leah, and mentors her niece GiGi. JoJo’s dedication to nurturing relationships and celebrating the simple pleasure of good food (and wine) infused with laughter makes her a beloved figure in our culinary family.