Sitting atop the loading dock of a one-time water heater factory, Bergamot Café serves visitors to Bergamot Station Arts Center as well as the surrounding residential and business communities. The popular, fresh-food restaurant is celebrating its 25 years – same owner, same location and counts thousands of frequent loyal diners and catering clients.
It’s original and current owner, Jeff Stuppler shares what this anniversary means to him, “It has been a thrill serving this energetic and ever-changing community over the past 25 years. I met my wife here, employed some of the nicest, hardworking and loyal staff, have befriended wonderful neighbors at Bergamot and have collected their art too. Overall I’ve been so blessed to work along-side such a dynamic community of brilliant and giving people I can call my friends.”
Bergamot Café was recognized by Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis on November 8 as a legacy business, a Buy Local Santa Monica restaurant and neighborhood treasure. Joining the festivities to watch Stuppler receive a commendation from the Mayor were long-time customers and those new to the Café. Stuppler Celebrated the anniversary during the week of November 4 by showcasing some old favorites of diners and at their original prices.
Bergamot Café is also respected as a generous community partner and this year alone they have supported several nonprofit organizations including Community Corporation of Santa Monica, Police Activities League and Westside Family Health Center. On Saturday, December 14, the Café and Bergamot Station will jointly celebrate 25 years with their annual winter open house. Twenty plus gallery exhibitions, live entertainment and more with doors opening at 11 am. The Café will continue its community contributions; 20% of the restaurant’s proceeds on December 14 will be donated to the Westside Food Bank.
Submitted by Donna Gentry
