Meet Charles Steynberg | Owner of Toastique Los Angeles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Steynberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Although I started out studying electrical engineering, I quickly realized my true passion was in the hospitality industry. I got my first taste of it working at country clubs in Florida and New York, and eventually owned and managed several businesses back home in South Africa.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2019, I set my sights on opening a restaurant of my own. After seeing how hard the restaurant industry was hit during COVID, I decided that starting with a successful franchise would be a smart move. That’s when I came across Toastique—it kept popping up during my research, and the more I learned about the brand, the more I loved it. The focus on fresh, healthy food really stood out to me, especially compared to so many franchises built on fried, greasy options.

In a health-conscious market like Los Angeles, I knew Toastique’s clean and wellness-focused menu would resonate with the community. It’s a brand with real long-term potential, and I’m excited to bring it to this city!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Toastique is a gourmet toast, juice, and coffee bar that brings a fresh and creative approach to casual dining. It bridges the gap between convenience and health without ever compromising on quality. More than just a restaurant, Toastique is a lifestyle brand for people who value health, flavor, and community.

At Toastique, simple, high-quality ingredients are elevated to create dishes that are delicious, visually stunning, packed with nutrients, and as satisfying as they are wholesome. Unlike many fast-casual concepts that rely on fried or processed options, Toastique is built entirely around clean eating.

While gourmet toast is the star of the show, our menu also includes customizable smoothie bowls, freshly pressed juices, and premium coffee drinks. Everything can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Our mission at Toastique goes beyond just serving food—it’s about promoting a lifestyle centered on wellness, sustainability, and positivity. And, with the rising demand for better-for-you food choices, the Toastique concept aligns perfectly with the shift toward mindful, health-conscious eating.

At Toastique, we want the world to know that we are more than just a gourmet toast and juice bar—we are a movement that believes healthy eating can be delicious, accessible, and inspiring. Our story is one of passion and purpose, born from a desire to change the way people think about wholesome food. We set out to prove that nutritious meals don’t have to be boring or complicated, and that eating well should be a joyful experience.

We started with a simple idea: combine fresh, high-quality ingredients with bold flavors to create something that not only fuels the body but also delights the senses. What began as a small vision has grown into a thriving community of people who share our belief that food can be both beautiful and nourishing.

Our journey is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and a little courage to go after what you believe in. We want people to know that it’s possible to turn a passion into a thriving business, even if the path is uncharted. At Toastique, we’re committed to staying true to our values, giving back to our communities, and continuing to serve food that makes you feel as good as it tastes.

Our story is just beginning, and we’re excited to keep growing, innovating, and inspiring others to make healthy choices—one delicious bite at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The area is full of so many unique things it would be difficult to fit them all in one week. There’s the classic activities that I’d say everyone should experience at least once: seeing a live Dodger’s game, walking to The Hollywood Sign, visiting The Getty.

If they’ve done all that, I’d want to take them on my own version of a perfect day. Something active to start the morning off, like a hike at Runyon Canyon. It’s not too challenging but definitely enough to work up an appetite. Swing by Toastique to refuel; my go-to is the classic Avocado Smash and our house-brewed coffee. From there the TLC Chinese Theater is only a few minutes away and it’s such a staple for the Los Angeles experience, I’d make sure to bring any friend there. Los Angeles is the center of entertainment so you should definitely take advantage of that and visit The Academy Museum or The Grammy Museum while out here, too! If they’re interested in comedy, the classic spot for me is The Comedy Store, I’ve seen so many iconic performances there. For rooftop views of downtown, I would take them to Cabra, one of my favorite restaurants by Chef Stefani Izzard!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Opening any business comes with its fair share of challenges, each one an opportunity to grow and learn. One of the biggest hurdles was transitioning from a vision to a reality—navigating the complexities of starting a business from the ground up.

Through these experiences, we learned the power of perseverance. We discovered that adaptability is crucial—plans will change, obstacles will arise, and flexibility is often the key to staying on course. Most importantly, we realized that passion fuels progress. When you truly believe in what you’re creating, setbacks become stepping stones, and challenges become opportunities to innovate.

However, we didn’t embark on this journey alone. We owe so much to the incredible mentors and corporate Toastique team who shared their wisdom and guided us through uncharted territory. Our families and friends have been a constant source of encouragement, reminding us why we started in the first place. The local community also deserves a special shoutout for welcoming us with open arms and supporting our vision.

The journey wasn’t easy, but every challenge reinforced our commitment to bringing something fresh and nourishing to our community. Those lessons, along with the unwavering support of those around us, continue to drive us forward today. Resilience, passion, and the generosity of others are the true ingredients for success.

Website: https://www.toastique.com

Instagram: @toastique

Image Credits
Toastique