Previous Item Next Item

Little Red Hen Coffee Shop

$200

Description of the Item:

Register or sign in to buy or bid on this item. Sign in and register buttons are in next section

Want to purchase this item?

REGISTER NOW

Already have an account?

0 Watchers

0

Artist: Dorothy Kowey

Watercolor on Saunders Waterford 200lb Cold Press


Little Red Hen Coffee Shop,
2697 Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, CA


The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop was a Black owned restaurant in Altadena destroyed by the Eaton fire on January 7, 2025. The Red Hen was a cornerstone of the community. Owned by the Shay family since 1972. Rena Shay, and three of her daughters, purchased the building to support her family of 12 children after her husband died of tuberculosis in Jackson, Mississippi.
The restaurant became an Altadena neighborhood staple during the civil rights era and has been continuously run by members of Rena's family since then. Rena's daughter and granddaughter, Barbara Shay and Annisa Faquir, were running and managing the business until it was destroyed by the fire.
Barbara's mantra was to serve good, Southern comfort food, great coffee and a smile for everyone who came in. The residents of Altadena sorely miss the camaraderie of Barbara, Annisa and the Little Red Hen.

Donated By Dorothy Kowel