In the heart of Pasadena, Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery has become a beloved neighborhood gem. Co-owners Thomas Kalb, Executive Chef, and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, Head Cheesemonger, have poured their passion into not only creating incredible food but also fostering a deep connection with the community they call home.
Thomas’s familiarity with Friends In Deed began years ago when one of his closest friends lived across the street from the FID House. When Agnes opened its doors four years ago, the Kalbs knew they wanted to partner with local nonprofits that aligned with their values. Through connections with former FID Board President, Richard Cheung, the collaboration with Friends In Deed felt natural and meaningful.
Over the years, Agnes has supported Friends In Deed through creative fundraising events like Cooking for a Cause and Friends in Cheese, where guest chefs joined forces to raise funds for the organization’s vital programs. But when the Eaton Fire devastated parts of Altadena and Pasadena, Thomas and Vanessa knew they needed to act quickly. They reached out to Friends In Deed to ask how they could help—and their response was immediate and heartfelt.
During the crisis, Agnes provided a four-course meal to guests at the Bad Weather Shelter. For Thomas, it was a powerful reminder that the challenges faced by unhoused individuals persist every day, not just during disasters. “Food and community are one,” he says. “There’s no stop or start, no line. When we eat a meal together, it’s a celebration. It reminds us of our shared humanity.”
Friends In Deed didn’t simply accept the meals in the background. Instead, they introduced the Agnes team to the guests, creating a moment of connection and dignity. For Thomas and Vanessa, this experience was deeply moving. “We didn’t just drop off food,” Thomas recalls. “We were brought into the moment and made to feel part of the community.”
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery’s partnership with Friends In Deed extends far beyond a one-time gesture. Their dedication to offering their time, resources, and culinary skills is rooted in a profound respect for the organization’s mission. Thomas reflects, “Food scarcity is a daily concern for so many people. As the owner of Agnes, I have access to food all the time. Not everyone can say that, and it’s why we feel compelled to use our platform to give back.”
Through their generosity, the Agnes team has made an enduring impact, helping to ensure that Friends In Deed can continue its mission to support the most vulnerable members of the community. For Thomas and Vanessa, being a part of this work isn’t just about giving—it’s about fostering hope, dignity, and celebration for all.