How it started · in Mitch’s words
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The sign
A few months after my youngest daughter, Tuolumne, was born, it was time to go back to work. When I saw the for-sale sign on the restaurant, I knew. In January 2013, I reopened it as The Spot Café and planted my stake in the community.
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The call
Tuolumne was born in critical condition and needed a procedure her hospital couldn’t do. In tears, I called a man I’d met years before who did something for Children’s Hospital, and before long the ambulance was on its way. Today she’s the picture of health. That phone call completely changed my idea of community, and it’s why we try to help at a personal level whenever we can.
Today · in Devynn’s words
Devynn is Mitch’s oldest daughter. She grew up working the counter at The Spot, and today she runs it.
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Coming home
In high school, I didn’t picture myself running a café, but I knew I wanted to be in business and have a say in my future. Every summer through high school and college, I worked at The Spot as a team member and did every job. I studied business, graduated in December 2019 and landed what felt like a dream job. Then COVID changed the plan.
In August 2021, I came home to help run the café. I came into a family business, and I had to earn my responsibilities. Those summers behind the counter mattered.
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Trying, and learning
Every year our family sets goals for the next one. In 2022, mine was to open a second location, and I did. We ran it for almost two years before we looked honestly at what it was taking from us, and closed it. It made me a better businesswoman: know the numbers, speak up, build the right team, and be willing to change course.
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Mom’s Morning
So I looked for ways to grow the café we already had. Mom’s Morning came from wanting connection when I needed it most. The first one had five moms. Now it’s a community of about 200, and our biggest event every month. Read how it began.
We also host fundraisers for Claremont schools and sports teams, cater for CMS Athletics, and get to see students who grew up coming here bring their own families back.
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Catalina
In March, I became a mom to my daughter, Catalina. She comes with me to the café, and I have a village that helps, starting with my dad. I want to build businesses that do well and still be present for these moments with her.
I also write for the Claremont Post, and at eight months pregnant I became a Claremont real estate agent with Stein Team Realty (DRE #02401120).
“There are decisions I would make differently today. I know that because I tried, paid attention, and learned.”