If you’ve visited Old Town La Quinta recently, you’ve no doubt noticed Yes Please, the bustling café tucked below RD RNNR. The eatery is the brainchild of California Culinary Academy graduate Gina Mallano, who previously operated Gina and the Bean, a licensed cottage bakery in L.A.’s South Bay, before relocating to the desert full-time with her husband in September 2022. (The bakery’s name is a nod to her daughter, Kelly, aka “Bean, Beanie, KellyBean,” with whom Gina is pictured above.) Yes Please opened just a few months later and promptly gained a loyal following thanks to the delicious breakfast and lunch offerings and insanely tasty baked goods. I’m talking warm, buttery biscuits, sumptuous berry scones, and the flakiest of croissants (my personal favorite), all of which are handcrafted on the premises daily and typically sell out by 10 a.m. Learn more about Gina, her stellar restaurant, and her favorite desert haunts below.
xo, Lindsay
What led you to make the sift to open a brick-and-mortar space?
It has been a dream of mine to own my own restaurant since I was in my twenties. My life’s path took a few detours which is why it took me until now to reach it. When my husband and I were researching cities in the Valley, La Quinta was our first pick for our residence and Old Town La Quinta was the location that was PERFECT for the business.
What is something that surprised you about owning a business here?
The seasonality of the business takes a little getting used to. From October until the end of May, it is like drinking water from a firehose (LOL) and the hot summer months, although we actually have very good business with regulars, it is much less hectic.
What part of desert living brings you the most joy?
The beautiful backdrop of the mountains. (Editor’s note – Yes Please offers a gorgeous view of that mountain backdrop from its sprawling patio, as shown.)
Best way to beat the heat in the summer months?
By drinking a blended, freshly squeezed frozen lemonade or Palmer from YES PLEASE!
Best business advice for newbie entrepreneurs?
Business – know your numbers. Personally – carve out time for yourself, loved ones and favorite people.
Favorite menu item at Yes Please?
The one dish that I can eat everyday is our Acai bowl. Favorite toppings? Blueberries, bananas, coconut, chocolate chips and peanut butter!
Favorite thing to bake?
My favorite thing to bake are CAKES, especially WEDDING CAKES. Stay tuned for new items and offerings this Fall.
Any plans to offer cannolis? {They’re my favorite dessert)
I’m thrilled that you enjoy cannolis! I do too 🙂 Look for these in our showcase starting Labor Day weekend.
Best meal in the desert?
My go-to sure thing is EUREKA, Indian Wells (pictured). Their menu is so well crafted and everything I’ve tried is outstanding!
Other Coachella Valley favorites?
When our kids come in from L.A., the top picks are il Corso, Tommy Bahama and Bill’s Pizza. In season, Arnold Palmer’s (pictured). To be honest, I’ve been so busy since we’ve lived here, I haven’t had a chance to explore as much as I’d like. So, I must follow YOU to get more ideas!
Thank you, Gina!
Yes Please will be closed August 15 through 30 for a refresh, but be sure to pop in after that for what will surely be a delicious meal! And in the meantime, you can follow the eatery on Instagram at @yesplease.laquinta.