Hill Street Cafe has been a beloved name in Southern California dining for decades, boasting two locations that each hold a special place in their respective communities. While both restaurants share the same commitment to quality and a welcoming atmosphere, the story of Hill Street Cafe is one that spans from its original roots in La Canada to its thriving present in Burbank, showcasing the dedication and hard work of its new owner, Juan Martinez.
Juan Martinez, owner of Hill Street Cafe, showcasing the cafe's welcoming ambiance.
The journey of Hill Street Cafe is deeply intertwined with the career of Juan Martinez. His story is a testament to the opportunities available within the restaurant industry and the rewards of perseverance. Martinez’s connection with Hill Street Cafe began at the La Canada Flintridge location during his high school years. Starting as a busboy, a role he took on weekends, Martinez quickly demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to the establishment. This initial part-time job laid the foundation for a long and fruitful career with Hill Street Cafe.
Recognizing his commitment and aptitude, the original owner of Hill Street Cafe presented Martinez with the opportunity to advance to a server position. He excelled in this customer-facing role, further solidifying his understanding of the restaurant’s operations and customer service philosophy. Years of dedicated service as a server led to yet another promotion, this time to manager. This progression through the ranks provided Martinez with invaluable experience in overseeing daily operations, staff management, and maintaining the high standards that Hill Street Cafe was known for, especially at its original La Canada location.
In November 2003, Hill Street Cafe expanded its reach, opening a second location in Burbank. Martinez was entrusted with the significant responsibility of managing this new venture. He recalls the early days in Burbank, pointing to a specific table and noting the initial slow start. However, the owner recognized Martinez’s capabilities and appointed him as the general manager of the Burbank restaurant, tasking him with turning things around.
The cozy interior of Hill Street Cafe, Burbank, highlighting its comfortable booths and welcoming atmosphere.
While dedicated to the Burbank location of Hill Street Cafe, Martinez also pursued his entrepreneurial aspirations by opening his own restaurant in Covina. This period was marked by long and demanding days, balancing management responsibilities in Burbank with the challenges of running a new business in Covina, all while also being a father. The experience gained from managing multiple restaurants simultaneously proved to be incredibly valuable, honing his skills in business operations and time management. Eventually, an opportunity arose regarding his Covina restaurant, leading to its sale. This pivotal moment coincided with another significant offer – the chance to purchase the Hill Street Cafe in Burbank and become its owner.
In November 2022, Juan Martinez’s journey culminated in becoming the owner of Hill Street Cafe Burbank. His ascent from busboy to owner is an inspiring story of hard work and dedication paying off. Despite this significant change in title, Martinez emphasizes the continuity of the cafe’s values and his relationship with his staff. He stresses a collaborative approach, stating, “There is no difference between me and my co-workers now that I am the owner. I treat them the same and we continue to do what we are doing… I told them that if you help me to succeed, I’m going to help you.” This philosophy reflects his commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, mirroring the welcoming atmosphere that Hill Street Cafe extends to its customers.
Smiling staff at Hill Street Cafe, Burbank, showcasing the friendly and welcoming service.
Hill Street Cafe in Burbank, much like its original La Canada counterpart, is known for its warm, home-like ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious, carefully prepared food. The cafe prides itself on making its soups and salad dressings in-house, contributing to the fresh and flavorful dishes that keep customers returning. The comfortable taupe-colored booths and the overall inviting atmosphere contribute to the cafe’s popularity as a neighborhood dining destination.
The menu at Hill Street Cafe caters to a variety of tastes throughout the day. Breakfast favorites include the popular chilaquiles and a diverse selection of omelettes. For lunch, the Chinese chicken salad and Philly steak sandwich are standout choices. Dinner at Hill Street Cafe is often praised for comforting classics like their pot roast.
Since taking ownership, Martinez has implemented several updates to enhance the customer experience. Digital menu boards displaying daily specials and house favorites have been installed. Looking ahead, plans are underway to create a new outdoor patio, making Hill Street Cafe a dog-friendly establishment, further expanding its appeal to the Burbank community. Martinez is also responsive to customer feedback, incorporating popular specials into the regular menu.
Exterior of Hill Street Cafe in Burbank, showing its location on Glenoaks Blvd.
Adding to the dining experience, Hill Street Cafe offers a complimentary glass of wine with dinner service from Thursday to Saturday. Furthermore, the cafe is actively involved in the local community, hosting events and fundraisers for schools and organizations. This community engagement underscores Hill Street Cafe’s role as more than just a restaurant; it’s a neighborhood hub.
For those planning a visit, Hill Street Cafe in Burbank is located at 3301 N Glenoaks Blvd. While this article focuses on the Burbank location and the journey of Juan Martinez, the enduring legacy of Hill Street Cafe began in La Canada, and both locations continue to offer a similar commitment to quality food and a welcoming dining experience. Whether you are in La Canada or Burbank, Hill Street Cafe provides a comforting and delicious escape. For more information about the menu, hours, and offerings, visit https://hillstreetcafeonline.com.
Assortment of dishes at Hill Street Cafe, showcasing the variety and quality of their menu.
Close-up of a breakfast dish at Hill Street Cafe, highlighting their popular breakfast menu.
Customers enjoying a meal at Hill Street Cafe, reflecting the cafe's friendly and social atmosphere.
Image of a lunch dish at Hill Street Cafe, possibly the Chinese Chicken Salad or Philly Steak Sandwich.
Image of a dinner dish at Hill Street Cafe, possibly the Pot Roast, showcasing their dinner menu.
Image showcasing the interior decor of Hill Street Cafe, emphasizing its cozy and inviting design.
Image of soups and salad dressings, highlighting the cafe's commitment to homemade ingredients.
Image of the bar area at Hill Street Cafe, showcasing another section of the restaurant.
Image of the new digital menu boards at Hill Street Cafe, highlighting recent updates.
Image of the exterior signage of Hill Street Cafe, clearly identifying the restaurant.
