Busy Bee's Cafe & Catering — Local services in Capitola

This place is everything you’ve heard and an amazing cinnamon roll to top it off! I saw a Tik Tok raving about a biscuits and gravy burrito and they did not undersell it whatsoever. Whoever thought of this delicious monstrosity deserves a raise. We also ordered a cinnamon roll for the kids, and it was difficult leaving it or then after having a taste. Definitely going back. Definitely recommend. It ain’t cheap, but it was the burrito was bug enough to share.

Grok says:

The business was founded by chef Ty Pearce, a Santa Cruz County native who grew up in the restaurant industry (his parents owned a Bay Area spot) and honed his skills at culinary school before traveling Europe. Pearce returned to the area to raise his family and launched Busy Bee’s catering side first, which quickly gained traction for events. The full cafe opened in late 2021 (initially targeting fall 2021), starting with weekend brunch and expanding from there. By early 2023, it had added a patio and broader hours, evolving into a hybrid cafe-caterer model.

Busy Bee’s menu features generous portions of balanced, flavorful dishes—think farm-fresh salads, stacked sandwiches, and creative burritos. Everything is made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients, including vegan and gluten-free options. Popular picks include:

• Breakfast: Bossy Bee Burrito (bacon, potato, egg, avocado), Old Faithful Burrito, biscuits, and breakfast bowls. Reviewers rave about the fresh, non-greasy burritos and amazing cinnamon rolls. • Lunch/Sandwiches: Capitola (a local favorite), Bountiful Turkey, Club, BLTA, Turkey Twister, and Hikers Delight (a veggie-packed option). Sandwiches come on assorted fresh breads with huge portions—often enough for two meals. • Salads: Farmers Market Salad (shredded carrots & cabbage, tomato, cucumber, pickled beets, avocado, mixed beans, toasted seeds, herbed greens) or the Green Goddess with spring mix, eggs, beets, and nuts. • Desserts & Bakery: Fresh-baked goods like donuts, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal treats. • Catering: Custom options for events, from vegan arepas (e.g., Korean braised tofu) to full spreads, with a nod to local collabs like donut sandwiches. Prices are reasonable for the quality—expect $10-15 for mains—and the food is praised for being hearty yet healthy, without overwhelming any...

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Busy Bee's Catering for our daughter's wedding, and we cannot say enough good things about the experience. From the very beginning when we talked with Michele, she was responsive, organized, and genuinely cared about creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.

The food was phenomenal—beautifully presented, flavorful, and enjoyed by every single guest. We received countless compliments throughout the night, with many saying it was delicious.

What also made the experience exceptional was the manager Amber and her staff. They were professional, attentive, and kind. Every interaction, from setup to service to cleanup, was handled with care and efficiency. They made everyone feel welcome and taken care of, which allowed us to fully enjoy the celebration.

If you’re looking for a caterer that combines wonderful food, service and a warm, professional team, we wholeheartedly recommend Busy Bee's. They were an essential part of making our daughter's wedding so special! Thank you Michele, Amber and staff for your...

WOW is all I can say. I have been there every weekend since it’s opened because I am hooked. Most incredible breakfast iv had in Santa Cruz. The flavors, the freshness, the consistency is something you don’t find often. I have pretty much tried everything on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. The cinnamon rolls!!! Omg the cinnamon rolls are not only huge but so tasty and don’t leave you feeling overly gluttonous, the perfect amount of sweetness without being too much. The avocado toast is absolutely to die for, the tomato relish on top is out of this world. The biscuit with honey omg insane. The flavors are so well done with each dish. I wish I could eat there everyday, fresh food, sweet staff...