Co-owner of popular SLO County coffee shop diagnosed with cancer. Here’s how you can help
At Malibu Brew Coffee in Atascadero, customers become adopted family — and lifetime friends.
That’s the philosophy of coffee shop co-owners Paul and Lakhena Say. They’ve operated the San Luis Obispo County coffeehouse for 16 years, moving from one popular North County location to another.
Paul Say was recently diagnosed with cancer, and, his son David Say said, his family has been amazed by the outpouring of community support.
“The situation we’re in right now is overwhelming in a sad, unfortunate way,” Say said. “Then how the community has responded has been overwhelming in the ... most beautiful way.”
Atascadero coffee shop popular with locals
Originally from Cambodia, Paul Say moved to the United States in the 1980s and served in the U.S. Marines. He met his wife when he volunteered at an orphanage in Cambodia her mother operated.
In 2007, the Say family moved to Atascadero and bought Malibu Brew around the same time.
The Says closed the El Camino Real gas station-turned-coffee shop in 2019 in preparation for the La Plaza mixed-use development, and relocated across the street to 5955 East Mall in Atascadero.
Located near Atascadero Middle and High schools, the shop has remained popular with locals since its move. Malibu Brew serves hot and iced drinks as well as smoothies, pastries, burritos and ice cream.
David Say and his sister Alicia have been helping their parents run the coffee shop since they were both around 10 years old — operating the register, washing dishes and handing customers their drinks.
“We definitely grew up in the business,” Alicia Say said.
Alicia and David Say are currently running Malibu Brew so their mom can support their dad, balancing their time between the shop and the hospital.
The siblings are encouraging customers to stop by Malibu Brew to support their family.
The two recommend ordering the Polar Espresso, which regulars call the Pablo Especial.
Regulars get this drink because “it gets the job done,” David Say said.
“He calls it his migraine cure, just like a punch in the face but a delicious treat kind of coffee,” Alicia Say added.
GoFundMe fundraiser started to help family
Malibu Brew customer Katie Hoium, who met the family 13 years ago, launched a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to help the Say family with issues including hospital bills and the loss of income from shortened work hours.
“We expect the best for the future, but this time will be financially difficult,” Hoium wrote on the GoFundMe page. “We all want to give back the love we have received from this remarkable family.”
As of Sunday, donors had contributed more than $18,700 toward a goal of $50,000.
According to his daughter, Paul Say is in “high spirit and goodwill right now.”
“He knows he’s so loved by us and by the community and this is possible because of our town,” Alicia Say said.
To donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser, go to gofund.me/afa63cc3.
Malibu Brew Coffee
Due to the Say family’s new schedule, Malibu Brew Coffee is currently open 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.
Those hours may change depending on Paul Say’s health needs, Hoium wrote on the GoFundMe site.
For more information, call 805-460-9981.
This story was originally published July 9, 2023 at 1:24 PM.
