Barista Opens Coffee Shop to Help Patrons GrieveReinne’s Place was opened in honor of owner Tommy Le’s late partner, who died in a car accident
Grief affects everyone, yet it’s often a private affair in many cultures. But social connections and community support can help many with symptoms of grief and loss. Barista and business […]
Grief affects everyone, yet it’s often a private affair in many cultures. But social connections and community support can help many with symptoms of grief and loss.
Barista and business owner Tommy Le is looking to bring grief into the spotlight through his coffee shop, Reinne’s Place, in Long Beach, California.
The Origin of Reinne’s Place
Reinne’s Place, named after Le’s late partner, Reinne Lim, is a coffee shop where customers are encouraged to confront their feelings of grief and loss. In an article by Maddie Connors written for The Los Angeles Times, Le describes how patrons can write out “Reinne Checks” to be hung on the walls—notes to loved ones who have passed, exes, or even their former selves.
The idea for the shop originated after Le experienced a profound personal loss. A car accident involving a drunk driver severely injured Le and tragically killed Lim in 2022. Using his experience as a barista, Le wanted to honor her by creating “a place where customers can channel love and loss.”
Coffee and Healing From Grief
“Coffee baristas are therapists who serve people coffee,” Le told the LA Times. He spoke of having watched regular customers grow and develop relationships over his years as a barista. “He’s watched lives unfold,” Connors writes.
Reinne’s Place is meant to be a space for sharing grief and loss as a community. “When you come here, I want you to slow down. Take it in and feel what I’m trying to deliver — a sense of connection,” Le explains.
It’s not unusual to see people cry here, either. Grief comes with heavy emotions, and the coffee shop is considered a safe space to explore them.
“At least once a day, someone comes up to me and starts crying. The fact that two strangers at one point, within 30 seconds, can feel that protection is beautiful to me.”
Credit: Unsplash
Connection to Culture
Le is Vietnamese, and Lim was Filipino. The coffee shop also ties in a cultural connection to the community with a “unique Asian influence.”
“We have a whole plethora of things that we can explore within my culture — things I grew up loving, things that Reinne’s parents tell me about,” Le says. “It’s been a lot about honoring Reinne’s culture.”
Culture greatly influences the perception and expression of loss as well; by connecting patrons to Le and Lim’s culture, it’s another opportunity to share Lim’s beliefs and experiences. In turn, patrons can share their cultural experiences with loss, too.
“Le has also introduced the ‘Reinne-y Day Fund,’ where a portion of every drink sale is donated to a cause once a month. It’s what Reinne would have wanted, Le said.”
Conclusion
Reinne’s Place is currently located at Open Gallery, 3902 E. 4th St. in Long Beach, but Le plans to move to a permanent location in the spring thanks to community investors and friends who have supported his journey over the years.
As Le puts it, “When you make a visit to a coffee shop, it makes or breaks your day.”
Grief is a personal and powerful feeling, but connection to community can make a major difference in lightening the load. Reinne’s Place opens the conversation surrounding community grief support and cross-cultural connections everywhere.
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