Candlestick Ravine Cafe Opened in Westside Long Beach

The new community cafe, located on Santa Fe Avenue, features student artwork and coffee from Two Tone Roasters.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a ceramic mug and potted plant on a wooden cafe table, representing a new community space. — James and Claudia Alvarez Roddy have opened the Candlestick Ravine Cafe on Santa Fe Avenue, providing a community-focused hub for Westside Long Beach residents and students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe new small businesses in your area strengthen the local community?

James and Claudia Alvarez Roddy have launched Candlestick Ravine Cafe in the Westside neighborhood of Long Beach. The small business aims to provide a local alternative to fast food for students and faculty near Cabrillo High School.

Why it matters

The owners hope to foster a stronger sense of community in Westside by creating a welcoming space for neighbors and local students. By partnering with the nearby high school, the cafe also serves as a platform for student art and work experience.

The cafe currently serves 30 to 50 people with an expanded catering capacity of 100 or more. The business operates Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The players

James and Claudia Alvarez Roddy

The husband-and-wife duo are the owners and founders of the new Candlestick Ravine Cafe.

Cabrillo High School

This local school provides student artwork for display and coordinates work experience opportunities with the cafe.

Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

The organization provides business resources and support to local entrepreneurs in the city.

Two Tone Roasters

This coffee roastery provides the beans served at the newly opened cafe.

The details

Located on Santa Fe Avenue across from Admiral Kidd Park, the cafe sources its coffee from Two Tone Roasters. The owners utilized the Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to access necessary resources and collaborated with the Cabrillo High School principal to provide student work experience.

The owners bought a home in the Westside neighborhood in 2021.
The couple launched a line of salsas in 2022.
Owners discussed cafe plans with the school principal in Summer 2026.
The Westside Night Market occurred on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
The cafe opened to the public on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.

Market Landscape

The opening follows the broader national trend of entrepreneurs seeking to revitalize neighborhood culture through local gathering spaces. This launch positions the cafe as a community-centric alternative to established chains in the Westside area.

Local students and faculty gain a new dining alternative that supports school-based work programs. Residents should note the current morning-only operating hours when planning their visits.

The takeaway

Supporting local cafes often strengthens neighborhood connections while providing unique opportunities for student engagement. The owners plan to monitor demand and may adjust their limited operating hours in the coming months.