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The original Saturn Café was started in 1979 in a tiny house on Mission St., in Santa Cruz, Ca. The founders aimed to create a community gathering place with a commitment to social and environmental justice. Although the Saturn has grown and changed in many ways since its inception, these core values remain central to all that we do.
The Saturn quickly outgrew the original house on Mission St. and moved across the street to Over the years, our menu has evolved keeping up with the ever-growing demand for healthy twists on American comfort food. The Saturn's menu has grown to include mouth watering vegetarian burgers such as the Space Cowboy and award winning french fries *fried in trans-fat free oil that gets recycled into bio-diesel fuel*. We created The Late Risers Bruch and are proud to say that our Vegan Breakfast Burrito and Breakfast Nacho’s are gaining fans all over the world. Each year we bring home the gold in the Santa Cruz Metro Goldie awards, in categories such as "Best Milkshakes", "Best Comfort Food", "Most Innovative Menu" and, "Best Burger"! |
In 2005, we set a goal to deepen our Throughout our thirty years in business, one key element remains the same; we know that the well-being of our customers, staff, and the farmers who produce our food, the health of the planet, and the sustainability of our business are completely interdependent. As we continue to reach for the stars, we are dedicated to finding socially and ecologically responsible ways to grow our business. To learn more about our commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and progressive business practices check out our Sustainable Future page |
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Saturn Cafe offers traditional American diner fare with a vegetarian twist. Our menu features local and organic ingredients within a vibrant atmosphere. We believe that the health and happiness of our customers, staff and the business itself are inextricably linked and we are deeply committed to socially responsible and green business practices. |
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TRISTAN NATHE has owned and operated the Saturn Café since 1995. Prior to owning the Saturn, she was a staff member of the Saturn Cafe beginning in 1991. She has worked in virtually every position within the business. Tristan is thrilled that the Saturn has become legendary for it’s fantastic food as well as its commitment to social and environmental justice. She has used her degree in Cultural Studies at UCSC to strengthen her visions as an owner of a values driven business. Tristan is currently the Vice President and CFO of Saturn Café Inc, and Saturn Satellites Franchise System LLC. |
ERNESTO QUINTERO is a proud owner of the Saturn Cafe, a Santa Cruz based icon in vegetarian dining. As a business owner, he is committed to fair labor practices, supporting local and independent businesses and prides himself on being a responsible member of his ever-expanding community. The focus of his work-life has been building conscious business practices that assist in creating sustainable communities. Prior to owning the Saturn Cafe, Ernesto served as the Chair and President of the Board of Directors of Good Vibrations. Ernesto has over 15 years of management experience and is a respected business consultant in the San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles areas. He is committed to working with other socially responsible business owners and green entrepreneurs. He is the founder of Bishop & Knight Consulting and the President and CEO of Saturn Café Inc. and Saturn Satellites Franchise System LLC. |
a location which became a college hangout featuring vegetarian soups, salads and decadent desserts. After a fire on New Years Eve of 1999 burnt a hole through the roof of our long-time home on Mission St, the Saturn moved to the heart of down town Santa Cruz where we continued to expand our menu as well as our hours to include late night dining.
understanding of what it means to own a sustainable restaurant that is dedicated to the triple bottom line of planet, people and profit. Putting our values into action we set out to grow our business both internally and externally. As we focus on growth and the future we remain rooted in our values as a local progressive business by marking a percentage of our budget to invest in our local community.