Santa Clarita gem Honu Coffee celebrated 10 years of being in business Saturday by thanking the hometown that has supported it for the last decade.

As one of the core threads of Old Town Newhall’s tight-knit business community, Honu Coffee has been sharing delicious cups of coffee, a fun and inviting atmosphere and wonderful customer service for 10 years.

Kamryn Martell | KHTS News

Walking into the coffee house, the immediate familiar feeling of home welcomes guests in with a signature Hawaiian flair. This testament is an integral part of what makes Honu feel so unique and special to its Santa Clarita guests.

Opening up shop in 2014, Honu’s staff wanted the cafe to feel like “a place that felt comfortable, cozy, inviting, welcoming, and never rushed,” exemplifying the ideal third-place.

“We never liked feeling like we were imposing because we wanted to hang out, but isn’t that what coffee shops are for? We think so, too,” said Honu owners John and Darla Evarts.

After grabbing a Nutty Hawaiian, one of Honu’s signature drinks, and enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning up in the loft, it’s clear why this coffee shop has stood the test of time. The chatter of different conversations, the kind and accommodating staff, the soft sounds of upbeat music, ample seating and pet-friendly patio makes it an ideal space to while away time.

Assistant Manager Sabrina Sveiven believes that Honu has succeeded due to the people who come in to enjoy the space and those who work behind the counter.

“I think the biggest part of it is our staff and the people we hire. I think everyone is so friendly and we love to talk to our regulars. I think we are all good about remembering the regulars, we know their drink orders, we know what is going on in their lives. I think that’s the biggest thing. People come because they like the people, they like the energy,” Sveiven said.

“Honu” means turtle in Hawaiian, symbolizing good luck and long life, making it the perfect symbol of what Honu Coffee aims to share with all who walk through its door. The front counter is stocked with house-made syrups and merchandise emblazoned with images of the sea turtles from which the coffee shop takes its name. Combined with a friendly and efficient staff and the smell of fresh pastries, it’s clear why Honu has such a hold on the hearts of Santa Clarita residents.

Kamryn Martell | KHTS News

One woman even drives from Sherman Oaks to get her weekend fix for the Hawaiian-themed coffee. Kate Bundy has been coming to Honu for eight years, and cannot seem to shake her love for a smooth nitro cold brew with the shop’s specialty hazelnut syrup.

“I go to a lot of coffee places and Honu is my favorite. So yeah, I come up here almost every weekend. I mean, it’s the quality of the coffee, it’s the handmade syrups, especially the hazelnut is delicious,” Bundy said. “Everybody is super friendly. I like that it’s a one-off coffee place rather than a chain. And it’s just a really good atmosphere and high-quality coffee. It feels special. You can’t always quantify that.”

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