Our Story

Neighbors & Friends is LA’s very first build-your-own cheese box bar and a welcoming space where exceptional food and community come together.

Originally envisioned as Stems: Cheese, Charcuterie, and Catering first flagship location, our concept evolved after a two year journey into something far more meaningful.

The journey of Neighbors and Friends began in the Spring of 2024, nearly a 1.5 years after Kaiy had signed the lease for what she thought would be her storefront, in her dream location -- little did she know she would get into partnership with Hannah! Opening something in Old Pasadena seemed like a distant dream, but when Kaiy discovered a space that felt like home—88 E. Union Street, a striking coincidence with her birthdate, 8.8.88—she knew it was meant to be.

As Kaiy worked to bring the storefront to life, she joined the LEEAF accelerator program for BIPOC women and met Hannah, the owner of Saffron Cowboy. Hannah had been working in Corporate America for years and was hesitant in taking the leap and opening a brick and mortar. Her and Kaiy agreed that they would go to business therapy, work together fas a trail run for 90 days, and they haven't looked back. It was this partnership that sparked the transformation of the business. Kaiy and Hannah were going to call the cafe Stems x Saffron Cowboy, but they knew that this new venture needed it own ideneity. They wanted something that felt like home. Hannah threw out calling in Best Friends and Kaiy light heartedly joked that they should call their collaboration “Neighbors and Friends,” a nod to the communities and support systems that had built both of their initial businesses.

That’s when everything clicked. Neighbors and Friends was born out of this synergy, and together, Kaiy and Hannah reimagined the space to reflect their shared values.

Today, Neighbors and Friends is LA’s first build-your-own cheese box bar, but it’s also a community hub where we celebrate local artisans and bring people together. Offering artisanal foods, personalized entertaining products, and handcrafted gifts from underserved makers, we’re redefining the food and beverage retail space in Old Pasadena. With the power of community behind us, we’ve created a place where everyone is welcome, and every gathering feels personal.