Local cafe and hang out spot, Flying Saucers, closing

Francesca BillingtonStaff WriterThe culturally inspiring Flying Saucers Café (306 Pico Blvd) has made an astounding impact in the Samo community in the past few years. However, according to store management, the cafe will unfortunately soon be closing due to financial difficulties.The neighborhood hotspot debuted three years ago on Oct. 15, 2009. It was created both as an affordable and delicious place to grab a coffee or bite to eat, but also as a place where up-and-coming artists could mingle and display their work. From concerts to art galleries, Flying Saucers has become a warm and welcoming spot for young and old alike.“You can basically make this place whatever you want it to be,” Samo senior and Flying Saucers employee Tiana Jimenez said, “If you want to sit inside and study for hours, you can do that. If you want to come out [on the patio] and meet new people and have nice conversations, this is the perfect place to do that.”Flying Saucers has had 32 total art openings at their cafe-gallery over the past three years. It highlighted the works of Samo students, such as 2012 grad Gus Graef, who currently studies at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.“We have art shows, art openings and sometimes we have live bands play. Aside from being a study place, anyone that is interested in art can come here and turn in their portfolio and possibly get an art opening,” Jimenez said.Jimenez was offered a job at the café in July after visiting Flying Saucers everyday. Being a new student at Samo as a junior, she found Flying Saucers as a place where she could hang out after school and meet new people. After becoming very familiar with the spot, she took up the job and has since acquired many skills and friendships.According to Jimenez, the café has a different atmosphere than other places around town. It offers something new and refreshing that excites not only its customers, but employees as well.“There are so many places that you can go to and the people who work there just don't care. They never ask how your [day] was and just treat you like any other customer,” Jimenez said.And according to Jimenez, the word "coworker" does not quite apply to those who work at Flying Saucers. The relationships that she has built with these people has changed her perception of working with others.“Saucers overall, is not merely a workplace with 'co' workers. Saucers is a family and we all really care about each other and look out for one another,” Jimenez said, “We've learned how to be a team rather than work individually.”The café has grown immensely popular throughout the Santa Monica community, as well as the Samo community. Flying Saucers is a reliable place where students can come and expect a lively and welcoming environment.“We have kids who come here everyday at lunch to the point where they have open tabs,” Jimenez said, “We also have customers that come here literally every day, sit here from opening until closing just on their computers working.”However, despite their dedicated customers, Flyer Saucers has no choice but to close. Without a buyer or investor, the café cannot afford to stay open much longer.“The whole community aspect of everything is going to be gone,” Jimenez said, “When Saucers closes, people will definitely look for other places, but they’re not really going to find many other places."fbillington@thesamohi.com