Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurants empower community members to make healthier choices by implementing evidence-backed actions that promote healthy eating. 

Designated in October 2024, Mychal's Cafe at 2302 Artesia Blvd in Redondo Beach joins a list of more than 90 Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants and Grocery Stores in the Beach Cities.  

The Founder, Ed Lynch, opened the cafe to honor the memory of his daughter, Mychal, and shed light on the challenges families face as a result of the lack of support for parents of children with developmental disabilities. 

“Two years after she was born, it became apparent that she was developmentally and physically disabled. Although doctors gave her only two years to live, Mychal’s spirit was amazing. She lived five and a half more years until her death in 1996. During that time, Mychal never lost her sense of humor or the love in her heart. She taught me so much about life and the importance of having resources, programs and services available to parents of children with developmental disabilities. As a result, I have dedicated my life to creating programs that enable our youth with developmental disabilities to live independent, fulfilled and productive lives.” 

You can read more about Mychal’s Story here. 

Through the launch of various social enterprises like Mychal’s Print & Embroidery, Mychal’s Bakery & Coffee, as well as Mychal’s Cafe, Mychal’s Learning Place has provided opportunities for on-the-job training for young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.  

Our community is truly fortunate to have an establishment like Mychal’s Cafe with a dedicated and talented team that promises delicious morning coffee as well as fresh and local breakfast and lunch options. 

Their menu boasts a wide variety of classic breakfast fare, fresh salads with bright flavors, and savory sandwiches. As part of their commitment to providing healthy choices to community members, they have redesigned their menu to highlight Blue Zones Project Approved Dishes like their Vegan Tomato Soup and creamy Avocado Toast.  

You can substitute any refined grain option like brioche or ciabatta bread for sourdough. Not only does sourdough add a pleasantly tangy and unique flavor to any dish, but it contains natural probiotics that boost your gut health.  

According to Harvard Health, incorporating fermented foods like sourdough into your diet “promotes beneficial enzymes, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as various species of good bacteria.”  

Mychal’s Cafe not only inspires us to make healthy choices, but to make a difference in our community.  

If you would like to support them, please visit their website for options on how to help: https://www.mychals.org/.