Jenna Sue Lupertino says she always dreamed of “having her own little place,” an aspiration turned into reality 18 years ago when she founded her namesake café. Only 22 years old at the time, she had been laying the groundwork for her goal and developing her entrepreneurial spirit long before that.
As a child growing up in the San Lorenzo Valley, she sold sandwiches to her dad’s motorcycle club and co-operated a successful Kool-Aid and candy stand with her friend. Then as a young adult, she worked at several local cafés and restaurants, learning the industry and perfecting her customer service charm.
Jenna Sue’s ambiance combines rustic overtones and organic mountain vibes, the “little cute, sweet hole in the wall” was constructed by local builders with locally sourced redwood and is adorned with local art. The breakfast menu has customizable burritos and bagels, cheese Danishes with fresh fruit and wildly popular coffee cake. Popular lunch picks include salads and crowd-pleasing sandwiches like the Reuben, turkey club and avocado/hummus that Lupertino likens to a “garden on a sandwich.” On the beverage side is a full coffee bar featuring organic beans.
Tell me about Jenna Sue’s place in the community.
JENNA SUE LUPERTINO: Over the last several years, between the pandemic and wildfires, the locals have really stood behind us and kept our doors open. For instance, when Covid hit we had some regulars set up their own table right outside the restaurant and brew coffee to maintain that sense of community nostalgia in the face of such adversity and a nationwide shutdown. It really proved to me how much this place means to locals, and made me proud to be able to provide a space for people to come together, foster a sense of community and nurture personal relationships that mean so much to all of us.
Dish about your stupendous staff.
They are all amazing, I wouldn’t be able to run this place without them. Goldee, Jessica, Brooke and Jolena have all been here a long time, giving the place its unique charm and providing our guests with recognizable faces and personalities that really sets us apart. We’re like a well-oiled machine, we all work well together and the girls do such a great job and always with a smile.
13090 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, 831-703-4280; jennasues.wordpress.com
