For nearly a decade, the Collective has steadily built a loyal following through two of San Diego's most recognizable food brands. Pop Pie Co., founded in 2016 by Steven Torres and Executive Chef Gan Suebsarakham, introduced San Diego to globally inspired savory and sweet pies, all wrapped in a signature all-butter crust. What started as a small shop in University Heights grew into a regional powerhouse, expanding into Costa Mesa, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Carlsbad, and most recently South Park. All locations also house their sister brand Stella Jean’s Ice Cream - famous for small-batch creations like mango sticky rice, ube + pandesal, and other rotating seasonal flavors crafted with premium ingredients.
Little While will mark the Collective’s first standalone café concept, showcasing the coffee program that Torres and his team have quietly developed over the years in collaboration with local partners like Provecho Coffee Company and Necessity Coffee. Set to open this fall on Adams Avenue next to Et Voilà! French Bistro, the new shop will feature a full espresso bar, pourovers, and seasonal drinks, alongside global staples like kadak chai, Thai tea, and matcha sourced from the same Japanese supplier they've worked with since their earliest days.
Pastries will be a centerpiece of the experience. San Diego native and Executive Pastry Chef Aly Lyng - who has worked with local restaurants Communion, Paradis, George’s at the Cove - and Justin Gaspar, the founder and former CEO of Hommage Bakehouse, are leading the baking program, promising a pastry case filled with inventive offerings. Expect both traditional favorites and creations that incorporate unexpected ingredients such as guava jam, chile crisp, banana ketchup, and Chinese sausage. Suebsarakham will oversee the menu, with Chef Madyson Hodge serving as culinary operations manager.
Torres describes the ethos of the new café as a place built around life's fleeting but meaningful moments. "At its heart, it’s inspired by the idea that life is made up of many 'little whiles,' fleeting moments that spark connection, joy, and reflection," he said in an interview with San Diego Magazine. "We’re excited - and a little nervous - to bring it to life at home in San Diego."
The design of Little While will contrast the playful, technicolor vibe of Stella Jean's. Instead, the café will embrace a cozier aesthetic, with warm woods and calming tones shaped by Tecscape architects and Solstice Interiors. Plans call for early morning openings, around 6:30 - 7am on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.
Little While is expected to open mid-October at 3019 Adams Avenue in San Diego's North Park. For more information, follow @littlewhilesd on Instagram.
Originally published on August 26, 2025. Information first reported by Beth Demmon for San Diego Magazine.
