the hen
ABOUT
OUR PLACE
We just love community!
The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop has long stood as a cherished cornerstone of the Altadena community, a family-owned Black establishment passed down through generations, where the scent of bacon mingled with the soulful sounds of Anita Baker and familiar faces gathered daily. Founded in 1972 by Rena Shay, who, after moving from Mississippi with her children, built the café into a vibrant gathering place filled with home-cooked favorites like salmon croquettes, catfish, and buttery shrimp-topped grits. Over the decades, the café became more than just a restaurant—it was a welcoming refuge for diverse families, local officials, and celebrities alike, a place where stories were shared, and neighbors became extended family. Though the devastating Eaton fire reduced the beloved Little Red Hen to ashes, the spirit of community, resilience, and warmth cultivated by the Shay family endures, inspiring hopes for its revival and continued legacy.
OUR LITTLE RED HEN
It's what's on the inside that counts
A symbol of resilience and community, The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop, a Black-owned institution rooted in decades of Altadena history, is a beloved hub where families gathered, friendships were forged, and stories were shared. Though the fire reduced it to ash, the spirit remains alive in the memories of those who came for the food and stayed for the warmth. Now, Barbara Shay seeks new ways to continue feeding her community—whether through a food truck or shared kitchen—holding onto hope that the Little Red Hen will rise again as the heart of Altadena it has always been.
