In addition to the cafe experience, Communal doubles as a treasure trove for any shopper. Visitors can peruse meticulously curated shelves of locally sourced goods like candles, jewelry, children’s clothing, plants, wine, and bouquets. The cafe is flanked by a designated flower shop in a room beyond the ordering counter, and a separate shop known as the Annex sits next door. An extension of Communal’s retail section, the Annex greets visitors with a calming, earthy aesthetic, and even houses a private event space behind the shop, which straddles the interior space and a charming outdoor patio area. The event space often hosts workshops and is available for rent as a picturesque setting for work outings, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and more. This area sprawls out to their large Tremont Collective patio space that offers dance fitness and pilates classes. 

With tears in her eyes, Owner Aaron Browning shared a story of when their original Oceanside location was closing before moving to its current Mission Avenue home. In the last two days of being open, their cook left, leaving them under-manned in one of their busiest times. In immediate need of help, she phoned fellow Oceanside chef and friend, William Eick of Matsu, Flying Pig’s former home. Despite the menu being a complete departure from Chef Willie’s modern Japanese wheelhouse, he turned up thirty minutes later to help whip up Pig’s menu items on the fly to keep the operation afloat through the transition.