A new café is bringing a fresh coastal vibe to the community, and one Shadow Ridge High School student is already helping make it feel like home.
Little Avalon, a new café inspired by the well-known local favorite Better Days, has recently opened its doors and is quickly becoming a welcoming place for students, families, and coffee lovers alike. Among its newest employees is sophomore Addi Hales, who says the job has already taught her valuable skills and introduced her to a supportive work environment.
Hales shared that her interest in working at Little Avalon began with her love for the café atmosphere and her desire to learn new skills.
“I love the atmosphere and I thought it would be fun to learn new things like making acai bowls and smoothies,” Hales said.
She also noted that learning how to become a barista was an important motivation for her.
“I thought becoming a barista would be a good skill and career I could use in the future,” she added.
Her first impression of the café matched her expectations of a cozy and inviting space. When she first walked inside, she immediately noticed the welcoming environment and attention to detail in the design.
“It is just such an adorable little cafe that’s very welcoming,” Hales said. That friendly atmosphere has continued to be one of her favorite parts of working there.
Hales explained that she first heard about the opportunity through a family connection. A close family friend, who is related to the owner helped connect her with the job when she mentioned she was searching for employment.
After receiving the interview opportunity, she quickly realized that the café would be a good fit for her personality and interests.
A typical shift at Little Avalon keeps Hales busy with a variety of responsibilities. She usually works around seven hours per shift and helps prepare drinks and food for customers.
During her shifts, she makes smoothies, prepares acai bowls, and assists with different drink orders. When there is downtime, she stays productive by working the register, running food to tables, bussing dishes, and preparing ingredients for the next day. These responsibilities have helped her learn time management and teamwork skills.
The overall vibe of Little Avalon is something Hales believes sets it apart from other cafés. She described the environment as relaxed and family-friendly, with many customers staying for hours to study, chat, or spend time together.
“It’s a cute little family friendly cafe where lots of people come and stay all day studying or whatever,” Hales explained. She also highlighted her coworkers as one of the best parts of the job.
“I love everyone I work with, especially the chefs who make sure there’s never a dull moment,” she said.
Hales emphasized the strong sense of community she feels there. She enjoys interacting with customers and building connections throughout her shifts.
She also hopes to gain skills that will benefit her in the future, including kitchen experience and improved communication skills. According to Hales, these lessons will help her not only in future jobs but also in everyday life.
Hales encourages fellow Shadow Ridge students to stop by and experience the café for themselves. She believes the friendly environment and quality menu make it worth the visit.
“The food is amazing!! the people there are super friendly and welcoming and the whole environment makes you feel like you’re living your best coastal life,” she said.
With its welcoming vibe, hardworking staff, and growing popularity, Little Avalon appears to be on its way to becoming a favorite gathering spot in the community. For students like Addi Hales, the café is more than just a workplace, it is a place to learn, grow, and connect with others.
