Meet Neighbors and Friends

A Café Collaborative in Old Pasadena
Where Neighbors Become Friends

 

Neighbors and Friends is a café collaborative and community hub in Old Pasadena, serving up the best sandwiches in Pasadena and the city’s first build-your-own cheese box bar.

Neighbors and Friends is a café collaborative and community hub born from the team behind Stems: Cheese, Charcuterie & Catering — a beloved Pasadena-based company known for creating stunning, locally sourced grazing tables and edible experiences.

Rooted in the same values of creativity, community, and intentional sourcing, Neighbors and Friends brings the Stems spirit into a new format: a welcoming café in the heart of Old Pasadena, designed to serve as both a neighborhood gathering place and a platform for local makers to shine.

We offer:

  • Some of the best sandwiches in Pasadena, made with ingredients from nearby small businesses

  • LA’s first Build-Your-Own Cheese Box Bar, with traditional, vegan, and halal options

  • Locally grown herbs, edible flowers, and curated retail gifts

  • Creative pop-ups, floral and food workshops, and community events

Every bite, bloom, and board is sourced with intention — because we believe food is most powerful when it supports the hands that made it.

We’re proud to call Pasadena home, and even prouder to be a space where good food, creativity, and connection all live under one roof. Whether you're building your perfect cheese box, picking up a gift, or grabbing lunch with a friend, we hope you’ll stop by and stay a while.

“With the power of community behind us, we’ve created a place where everyone is welcome, and every gathering feels personal.”

Meet Your LOCAL Neighbors & Friends Team

We’re a small team of people who love good food and good company. From sandwiches to coffee, we do it all right here in Pasadena with a smile and a personal touch. Whether you’re swinging by for lunch or just passing through Old Town, we’re glad you’re here.

  • Kaiy Smith-Biesman

    Owner

    Meet Kaiy! She is the heart behind Neighbors & Friends. A lifelong lover of good food and great conversation, she opened the shop to create more than just a place to eat, she wanted a space where people could slow down, feel seen, and connect over something delicious. From dreaming up cheese boxes to greeting regulars by name, Kaiy brings her whole heart to everything she does in Old Town Pasadena.

  • Chelsea Lynch

    Manager

    Chelsea was our very first team member, she has been part of the journey from day one. With a heart for hospitality and a knack for creating warm vibes behind the counter, Chelsea sets the tone for what makes this place feel like home.

  • Nichole Charity

    Manager

    As the manager of Neighbors & Friends, Nichole keeps everything running smoothly and with a smile. Whether she’s guiding a custom cheese box order, chatting with regulars, or supporting our catering team behind the scenes, Nichole’s care for both our food and our community makes her the glue that holds everything together.

  • Caitlin Lynch

    Catering Director

    Whether it’s a corporate lunch, intimate gathering, or community event, Caitlin makes sure each order feels personal and polished. When she’s not busy curating menus, you’ll find her sampling cheeses (for quality control, of course) and building lasting partnerships across Old Town Pasadena.

Now that you’ve met us, come grab a sandwich.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

At Neighbors & Friends, we’re not just serving sandwiches and cheese boxes, we’re creating a space that feels like home. From day one, we’ve built everything with intention: locally rooted, community-driven, and full of heart. Here’s what sets us apart in Old Town Pasadena.

  • Food ThaTS Personal

    Every item on our menu is made with care and creativity, from build-your-own cheese boxes to fresh, seasonal sandwiches. We use high quality ingredients and offer options for all kinds of eaters, whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or just really into pickled onions.

  • Sandwich Shop With Soul

    Our space is warm, welcoming, and designed to bring people together. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, working through lunch, or finding your next favorite gift, this isn’t just a grab-and-go spot, it’s a community hub built on connection.

  • Rooted in Pasadena

    We proudly feature goods from local artisans and underserved makers, host events that bring neighbors together, and always look for ways to give back. And whether it’s through a community workshop or a last-minute cheese box for a friend in need, we believe in showing up for our neighborhood in big and small ways.