Filipino cafe Malaya is expanding to 420 S. First Ave. this spring. Co-owner Anthony Salvador told What Now Los Angeles that they are targeting an April opening.
Salvador launched Malaya, which means “to be free” in Tagalog, with his sister in Silverlake to bring elements of Filipino culture to the area.
“We built the shop based on our culture and the flavors we had growing up,” Salvador said. “It slowly started to become more of a community space.”
The 900-square-foot space in Arcadia is currently under construction. They plan to expand their menu at the new spot. The Silverlake location did not have a full kitchen, limiting the food menu to pastries and light sandwiches. However, the Arcadia location will feature a full kitchen, allowing them to offer Filipino-style pork and barbecue and a sandwich menu featuring items such as chopped cheese with longaniza. The beverage offerings include signature lattes such as ube creme and mango matcha.
The team is looking to continue their strong emphasis on collaborating with other local small businesses when they open in Arcadia. Salvador hopes to host monthly night markets for small business pop-ups.
They are also looking to expand Malaya out of state, eyeing spots in Las Vegas and Colorado.
“Our goal is to continue to support other small businesses,” Salvador said. “We’re trying to make it something where we can empower our community.”
