Save Saugus Cafe campaign gets ‘overwhelming’ support

While The Original Saugus Café has survived some of the Santa Clarita Valley’s worst disasters in 133 years – including the collapse of the Saint Francis Dam in 1928, the January 1994 earthquake and several fires – it is the COVID-19 pandemic that could lead to its demise.

“We are not alone, (it’s) any small business, and anyone who closes its doors,” said Jesse Mercado, the café manager and daughter of the owner. “We are doing our best.”

Like many other restaurants, the local eatery is struggling to make ends meet in the face of numerous closures, as they have worked to adapt to ever-evolving guidelines.

“I feel like each transition has taken some time for people to get used to it,” Mercado said, adding that the recent shutdown of outdoor dining has been affected the most. “It was worse than the first shutdown. We were already struggling as it is, so it was horrible.”

It was only after a customer discovered how slow things could be and posted it on social media calling on the SCV community to support the local restaurant, did things start to turn.

Agent Jan Porlier, left, takes a quick order from Manger, Jessie Mercado at The Original Saugus Cafe on Wed, 121620. Dan Watson / The Signal

Mercado said she remembered a customer asking how things were going, and she replied, “It was bad. We’ve probably placed two (two) orders to eat out today, and that was really noon.”

He said, “Hang on there.” She added, “I’m going to spread the word, don’t worry.”

This weekend, orders started pouring in, and the restaurant came under heavy criticism, with SCV residents stepping in to help the famous landmark keep its doors open.

“It was very unexpected,” Mercado said. “My server said it was busy like never before. Then Saturday and Sunday it was crazy … the phone never stopped ringing all day.”

Since then, Mercado GoFundMe has begun to save the coffee shop, which has raised nearly $ 10,000, and calls have remained steady.

“The attention he got was amazing,” she said. “Everyone was very supportive … all the people who come in constantly and buy gift cards or T-shirts and just call asking about our performance, it’s cool.”

Chef Omar Briceno prepares breakfast orders at The Original Saugus on Wednesday 121620. Dan Watson / The Signal

For Mercado and her family, the restaurant has been a second home since it bought it in 1998, and especially her father, who she said enjoys every minute of it.

“It’s worth it,” Mercado added. He says: I don’t see myself doing anything else. I don’t want to retire. … this restaurant is all I know. “

Originally named Tolfree’s Eating House, the restaurant was located first across the street, next to the Saugus train depot, at the southeast corner of Railroad Street and Drayton Street, before moving across the street in 1905 and to its present location in 1952.

Over the years, the restaurant has appeared in several Western movies, as well as the most recent TV and movie scenes, with Hollywood legends such as William S Hart, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, Harry Carey, Hot and he has reportedly visited Gibson and even the President. Theodore Roosevelt Coffee Shop.

Now, newspaper clippings and black-and-white photos of some of the café’s most famous visitors dot the walls – although many other things haven’t changed, as customers tend to protest when anything happens.

Surfer, Janet Pons, left, and manger, Jesse Mercado check breakfast order at The Original Saugus Café on Wed, 121620. Dan Watson / The Signal

“Every time we change something, our customers get angry.” Mercado said with a laugh, “People point out (any changes) right away.” “They love to see the coffee shop they entered 40 or 50 years ago.”

It’s that city that feels Mercado has stuck with the restaurant over the years.

She added, “We know our names, the regulars.” “They don’t even order, they just wave to the chefs and they are really starting to prepare their food. It’s great to see that. I don’t think you see that much anymore.”

That city has now flooded the restaurant with support.

“We value the entire community together,” Mercado said. “We knew Santa Clarita was an amazing city, but they showed it to us a million times. It feels like the whole city has come to the restaurant.”

Original Saugus Café is located at 25861 Railroad Ave.

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