Third Space Operators Share Insights on Building Community
16 reported
Eater’s Pre Shift newsletter hosted an event at Café Tondo in Los Angeles to discuss third spaces, featuring operators Abraham Campillo of Café Tondo, Matthew Glaser of Park Hospitality, and Sarah Lewitinn of Jacaranda, moderated by Eater brand director Lesley Suter. The conversation explored definitions of third spaces, community building, and operational decisions that foster welcoming environments. Participants emphasized that third spaces are places for socializing beyond work or school, often with a commercial aspect but focused on connection. They discussed strategies such as no-reservation walk-in policies, no table turns, and programming like music and food collaborations to build authentic community. The operators also shared advice on introducing people to each other, collaborating with neighboring businesses, and ensuring at least one team member loves the space. The event was part of a series on third spaces produced in partnership with Spectrum Business.
What’s reported
The event was held at Café Tondo in Los Angeles and moderated by Eater brand director Lesley Suter.
Participants were Abraham Campillo (Café Tondo), Matthew Glaser (Park Hospitality), and Sarah Lewitinn (Jacaranda).
Sarah Lewitinn defined a third space as a place where people can meet, possibly with a commercial aspect, but not necessarily requiring commerce.
Matthew Glaser said lingering is important and third spaces introduce a level of chaos and stranger interaction.
Abraham Campillo described third spaces as a response to loneliness in an increasingly digitized world.
Campillo said building community involves inviting people in, music programming, food collaborations, and creating moments for people.
Glaser stated that building community is a long game and not a direct return on investment.
Lewitinn described building community through pop-up dinners at home that led to her restaurant.
Glaser shared tips on lighting and volume to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Lewitinn said Jacaranda does no turns, allowing guests to keep their table all night.
Campillo said Café Tondo’s greenhouse and outside seating are all walk-ins, and he avoids turning people away.
Campillo noted social media helped his new business in Chinatown communicate its coffee, wine, and weekly programming.
Glaser said social media can be a blessing and a curse, but reduces the need for expensive PR.
Lewitinn advised introducing people to each other as the most important aspect of a third space.
Campillo encouraged neighbors to collaborate rather than compete.
Glaser advised that at least one team member must love the space and crowd.
Key figures
Abraham Campillo, co-owner of Café Tondo
Matthew Glaser, of Park Hospitality
Sarah Lewitinn, co-owner of Jacaranda
Lesley Suter, Eater brand director (moderator)
Brian Traynam, bar mentor of Matthew Glaser (mentioned)
Sources: eater.com
