Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, 4427 W. Slauson Ave., is a South L.A. cafe for the neighborhood. Scheduled to open on Monday, Aug. 13, the coffee shop bills itself as an “inclusive space” meant to foster community, creativity, and connection over quality food and drink.
Ajay Relan, co-owner of the restaurant along with Yonnie Hagos, said : “Our ethos throughout all the things we have created has always been ‘good vibes only’. Everything carries the thoughtfulness and the creativity in the experience—so that people feel inspired and motivated to better themselves. We’ll consider Hilltop a success when locals think of it more as a community center and a gathering place than a cafe. We want it to be a place that sets the tone for your entire day and is there for you when you need it – in good times and less good times. We take the responsibility of bringing that to this community to heart.”
The menu will feature locally roasted gourmet coffee and fresh cold-pressed juices as well as all-day breakfast and lunch offerings, designed by Chef Jason Fullilove, like signature Hilltop Droptops (toasts and open-faced sandwiches), fresh beignets made daily, bowls, salads, and handhelds.
“We’re excited to bring healthier breakfast and lunch offerings to an area that is so near and dear to our hearts – an area that we spent significant portions of our formative years,” Hagos said. We hope that the space we create inspires local creatives and community organizers to come together and build on their ideas.”
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen will also host quarterly #hashtaglunchbag events. The social media-based #hashtaglunchbag movement was started by Relan at The Parlor and feeds over 1,500 hungry people monthly on the streets of Los Angeles. The movement has expanded to more than 150 communities globally. The restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
