ABOUT US

Crushcakes is locally owned and operated since 2008, serving delicious scratch made breakfast, lunch, coffee & cupcakes.

We are asked all the time why are we called Crushcakes. The answer is easy, we have a crush on food! Food is our passion. Good, affordable food made with love every day in our kitchens. We work closely with our vendors and are very intentional about where we source our products from. We use the best ingredients we can find to make our cakes, pastries, sauces, soups, dressings, syrups and more. It is our hope that our customers love their experience at Crushcakes as much as we love being a part of this amazing community. People, food and comfort, that has been the core of Crushcakes since the beginning and we continue to aspire to that each and every day.

You’ll always remember your first crush!

Shannon Gaston, Owner

Shannon Gaston owner of Crushcakes

Shannon Gaston is the owner and originator of Crushcakes Café. Prior to opening Crushcakes, Shannon spent many years working in restaurants as well as in Human Resources and Law. In 2007 Shannon attended a Yoga retreat in Sonoma where she had the complete vision of Crushcakes; the cupcakes, the coffee, the comfy, homey feeling and the friendly staff. Bringing it all to fruition became the goal. Since childhood Shannon dabbled in baking and cooking, but her real skills lied in business and employee development. To make the dream of Crushcakes come true, she knew she would have to partner with talented bakers, chefs and staff. Additionally having locally sourced ingredients and unique menu options was essential. To this day, several years later, Shannon has not waivered on that.

The original mission for Crushcakes Cafe was to provide delicious and locally made food in a friendly, comfortable environment. Shannon continues to be dedicated to this mission. As life has changed and evolved over the years so has her mission by including safe space and resources for those who need it. She comes from a very diverse family and understands the how important it is to give whenever possible. Shannon is very thankful for the many people who have helped make Crushcakes all that it is and to the incredible people who continue to work hard every day to keep it such a special place.

Erin Soqui, COO

Erin is our Operations Manager and the person behind so much of our daily success. Erin is literally the person who makes shit happen. We are so grateful she is here!!

Justin Blum, Event Manager & Store Manager

Justin Blum sitting on chair

Justin’s passion, attention to detail and positive energy brings happiness here daily. With his many years of Food Management and HR experience, we are lucky to have Justin as here and part of our team!

 

Store Manager Goleta

Amazing people, coming soon!!

baker holding knives
baker holding baked pie

Our Chefs & Bakers

Many of our chefs and bakers have been with us for years and years. They are dedicated and passionate people who spend much of their time helping us create all that we do. At the heart of Crushcakes is our food and our people, we would not be here without them.

Crushcakes 2 Communities

We believe in living and working in unison; therefore, we support organizations that help others. We rise as others rise.

Some of the places we donate to:

  • Planned Parenthood

  • Pacific Pride and other LGBTQ orgs

  • ADL (the Anti-Defamation League)

  • The Unity Shoppe

  • Environmental Defense Center

  • Black Lives Matter

  • C.A.R.E. 4 Paws

  • Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

  • Los Padres Forest Watch

  • Santa Barbara Unified, Santa Barbara High School and various other local schools

  • Democrats

On the same note, we do not tolerate abuse or negative energy towards our staff or customers. Thank you for understanding and for your continued support, we appreciate you

Peace.Love.Crushcakes.