Little While marks the first standalone café concept from the Sweet & Savory Collective, the group led by Steven Torres and Executive Chef Gan Suebsarakham, who have spent nearly a decade building a loyal following through pies and ice cream. While coffee has long played a supporting role inside Pop Pie Co. locations, Little While elevates that program into its own identity, with a menu focused on precision brewing, globally inspired flavors, and a calm, intentional pace.
The drink menu balances familiarity with experimentation. Guests will find classic espresso drinks alongside seasonal cold-brew-based beverages like the Berry Minted Sour and Cherry Yuzilla, as well as more unconventional offerings such as clarified milk punches and espresso served with coconut water. A rotating slow-bar pourover program highlights single-origin coffees, including Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and carbonic honey co-ferments, while matcha drinks, kadak chai, and London fogs round out the menu for non-coffee drinkers. Prices remain accessible, with most core drinks falling in the $4 to $7 range.
Pastries are a major focus at Little While, led by executive pastry chef Aly Lyng alongside Justin Gaspar, formerly of Hommage Bakehouse. The case leans creative without becoming precious, blending classic forms with unexpected ingredients and global references. Early offerings emphasize balance and restraint, aligning with the café’s broader ethos of simplicity and comfort rather than spectacle.
The space itself reflects that philosophy. In contrast to the bright, playful aesthetic of Stella Jean’s, Little While opts for warm woods, soft lighting, and an uncluttered layout designed to encourage lingering. There is also a merch nook with branded merchandise and everything one would need to make pour over coffee at home. The café opens early for neighborhood regulars and morning commuters, positioning itself as both a daily stop and a weekend retreat.
With Little While now in its soft opening stage in North Park, the Sweet & Savory Collective adds another layer to its growing local portfolio, signaling a continued commitment to San Diego neighborhoods over splashy expansion. For a team best known for pies and ice cream, Little While feels less like a departure and more like a natural evolution - one cup at a time.
Little While Café is now open at 3019 Adams Avenue in San Diego's North Park. For more information, visit littlewhilesd.com.
Originally published on December 22, 2025.
