Long Beach Cafe Honors Owner’s Late Girlfriend in a Heartfelt Tribute
Long Beach Café Honors Life of Late Girlfriend
A Long Beach café, born from personal tragedy, has transformed into a haven for healing and connection. Reinne’s Place, created by Tommy Le, pays tribute to his late girlfriend, Reinne Lim, who tragically lost her life in 2022 due to a collision caused by a DUI driver.
Le survived the accident that claimed Lim’s life, and he felt compelled to bring to fruition their shared dream of opening a coffee shop. “She was a girl’s girl, she was a free spirit,” Le recalled of Lim. “She loved living life and she loved just everything about it. And when she came into my life, I think it really brought so much light into my life.”
Currently operating as a pop-up at Open Gallery in Long Beach, Reinne’s Place is in the process of establishing a permanent location. Le plans to feature what he calls “Reinne checks,” which will serve as a medium for patrons to express their stories of love and loss.
“It’s a little card that looks like a guest check from diners, and people are able to write messages to loved ones,” Le explained, noting that he has already collected hundreds of these heartfelt messages. "I think it’s something we all share as human beings: loss. I think my being able to build a space that empowers that and allows you to feel that is a beautiful thing.”
Le anticipates that the “Reinne checks” will be on display at the café’s brick-and-mortar location later this month, further solidifying the café’s mission of fostering connection and community through shared experiences of grief and remembrance.
