Our Founder

Kathleen Foley-Hughes
Palo Alto

Kathleen Foley-Hughes has over 25 years of experience as an event planner, fundraiser, and professional caterer. She is the founder of two vocational food service programs for students with disabilities within the Palo Alto Unified School District. Kathleen holds a B.S. in Business Administration from St. Francis University in Pennsylvania.

Recommendation: Our blueberry scone and a cappuccino

Our Team

Charlie
Palo Alto

A certified Giants fan, Charlie likes to watch games with his friends and family. At Ada’s, Charlie likes speaking to customers and making coffee, especially lattes. He also enjoys working alongside his brother and other co-workers. Charlie mentions that since Ada's has opened, he gets recognized a lot more in the community.

Recommendation: iAmy salad

Jeremy
Sunnyvale

 According to Jeremy, the best thing about working at Ada's is that he gets to do hard work with his friends. He likes watching movies, playing board games and at Ada's, loves making quesadillas. His message for the world is that everyone should try to be positive and not perfect.

Recommendation: Hot chocolate

Kate
Santa Clara


New Favorite Interests Coming Soon!!!

John
Palo Alto

An avid gardener, John is extremely passionate about the environment and hopes to have more trees planted. At Ada’s he enjoys working at the cash register, meeting customers and values the time he spends with his co-workers. He would like to tell customers that he is intelligent and very easy going. In a stressful situation at the cafe, John always finds something funny to say.

Recommendation: Scones and frozen yogurt

Karina
Mountain View

A native of Ireland, Karina makes jewellery in her free time and enjoys taking long walks. She also spends time helping take care of her nieces and nephews. At Ada’s, Karina is proud of the skills she has picked up: working the register, making coffee, and working with groups of people.
Karina hopes that gun violence decreases and that people learn to live harmoniously.

Recommendation: Wonderful Wendy sandwich

Linda
Santa Clara

Linda has been involved with Ada’s cafe for about five years and has experience working for the catering and cafe business. The best part of her work is to help Kathleen change the catering menu. Linda says this makes her feel empowered. At Ada's, Linda enjoys making sandwiches and working with the rest of the team. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and camping.

Recommendation: Any of the sandwiches!

Peter
Palo Alto

As a native Californian, Peter loves everything that the SF bay area has to offer in terms of food and culture. Peter graduated from Duquesne University ('13) and has been working at Ada's since the beginning as a co-founder and current Deputy Director. 

Peter enjoys working with all employees to train, educate and empower through one common bond- delicious food!

Recommendation: Hummus plate with organic vegetables and housemade pita chips

Philip
Cupertino

A Tai Chi enthusiast and fine artist, Philip spends his time exercising and making paintings. At Ada’s, Philip likes talking to his customers and learning skills like working the cash registry. His skill at counting money and handing out change have significantly improved since he started working at Ada’s.

Recommendation: Wonderful Wendy sandwich

Kris
Santa Clara


New Favorite Interests Coming Soon!!!

       Sofia
       Santa Clara


        New Favorite Interests Coming Soon!!!

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Advisory Board

Stephanie Batties
Designer

Swiss-born Ms. Batties attended the Basel School of Design where she studied interior design, product design, and architecture. An award-winning designer, Ms. Batties is the owner of Right Touch Designs, and is a Partner and Lead Designer for both the Palo Alto and San Francisco locations.

Recommendation: Blueberry scone 

Tony Hughes
Investment Banker

Mr. Hughes is a co-founder of Ada's Cafe. He works as a Management Director at Barclays Capital in San Francisco, CA. He has worked in municipal finance for nearly 30 years. Through Ada’s he has developed his cooking and baking skills as a volunteer sous-chef for Kathleen's catering events.  Mr. Hughes volunteers his time helping develop Ada's fundraising and financial planning.

Recommendation: Wonderful Wendy sandwich

Eric Tashman
Attorney

Mr. Tashman is a Partner with Sidley Austin Brown Wood. Eric, a graduate of NYU Law School, lives in Atherton.