We Love You Long Beach, California! We're hard at work... coming soon!
About Local Flavor
At Best in Long Beach, we’re cooking up classic American comfort food with a whole lot of heart.
Vision Statement:
To be Long Beach’s go-to diner where great food, good vibes, and true inclusion come together—because everyone, from our guests to our team members, deserves a seat at the table.
Join Our Community
By supporting Best In Long Beach, you are investing in a future where neurodivergent individuals can reach their full potential. Your contribution is an investment in humanity, dignity, and inclusion.
So Happy to Have You Join Us
Your Support Will Help Our Cause
Help us to meet our goals and fund our mission. Best In Long Beach is committed to breaking down barriers for individuals with developmental disabilities in the job market. By promoting inclusivity and understanding, we aim to highlight strengths, dispel stigma, and create a thriving workplace for all.
Support Our Mission
Your wonderful tax deductible support and contributions will help us achieve our goals of breaking down employment barriers for individuals with developmental disabilities! Together, we can create joyful social interactions and exciting employment opportunities. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!
CA NONPROFIT 501(C)(3)
Best in Long Beach is a long-standing passion project of Maria Elena Barrientos, an Education Specialist and dedicated teacher with 25 years of experience. Maria is excited to create meaningful, paid employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities and disabilities.
Best In Long Beach... With a Mission
The heart behind the mission
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Meet Trisha Barrientos, a proud graduate of CSU Long Beach, where she earned her Bachelor's in Journalism. Hailing from sunny Southern California and currently thriving in vibrant Long Beach, Trisha brings over 15 years of leadership experience, having worked with renowned companies like Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Disney in customer
Meet Trisha Barrientos, a proud graduate of CSU Long Beach, where she earned her Bachelor's in Journalism. Hailing from sunny Southern California and currently thriving in vibrant Long Beach, Trisha brings over 15 years of leadership experience, having worked with renowned companies like Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Disney in customer service and management roles.
As a dedicated flight attendant, Trisha is passionate about creating a fantastic travel experience for all her passengers. Outside of her professional endeavors, she adores her rescue cats, Jackson and Lucy, who fill her life with joy. Trisha also shines on stage as a professional ballet folklorico dancer, celebrating and performing the rich traditions of Mexican dance.
Trisha has enjoyed volunteering with The Russel Home for Atypical Children, inspiring every child to reach their highest potential.
With a perfect blend of expertise and enthusiasm, Trisha truly embodies the vibrant spirit of Southern California!
Amber Clark - Secretary
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Amber is a vibrant native Californian with over 10 years of diverse experience in governmental accounting, hospitality, management, property management, and hospice care. With a passion for the outdoors, Amber loves spending quality time with her family and cherishes her rescue dog, Squish, a Long Beach native! Squish was rescued from th
Amber is a vibrant native Californian with over 10 years of diverse experience in governmental accounting, hospitality, management, property management, and hospice care. With a passion for the outdoors, Amber loves spending quality time with her family and cherishes her rescue dog, Squish, a Long Beach native! Squish was rescued from the Long Beach Animal Shelter and proudly showcased at a Long Beach council meeting, advocating for essential pet rescue funding.
Amber is excited to be part of a nonprofit organization that champions equity and inclusion, working to create valuable social and work opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Her enthusiasm and dedication shine through in everything she does!
Jasmine Flores – Treasurer
Trisha Barrientos- Vice President
Jasmine Flores – Treasurer
A proud Southern California native and graduate of CSU Los Angeles with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts, Jasmine Flores is currently pursuing her Mild Moderate Education Specialist teaching credential, Autism authorization, and Master's in Special Education. With over 10 years of experience in education, restaurant and barista hospitality, J
A proud Southern California native and graduate of CSU Los Angeles with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts, Jasmine Flores is currently pursuing her Mild Moderate Education Specialist teaching credential, Autism authorization, and Master's in Special Education. With over 10 years of experience in education, restaurant and barista hospitality, Jasmine excels in customer service and has a heartfelt commitment to her community.
Her volunteer work with Down for Dance in Long Beach, which provides performance opportunities for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities, highlights her passion for inclusivity. Jasmine is dedicated to making a direct and positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities, helping them to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.
Known for her patience, compassion, and strong advocacy for each student's unique needs, Jasmine brings joy and energy to her teaching. In her free time, she cherishes moments with her family and adores her rescue dog, Bixby, and her cat,Drew Barrymore, both from Long Beach.
Discover Best in Long Beach... With a Mission
Maria Elena Barrientos – CEO & President
Maria Elena Barrientos, is a native Californian and proud Long Beach resident, brings a lifelong dedication to education, inclusivity, and community empowerment to her latest endeavor: launching a restaurant designed to serve and employ members of the neurodivergent community. With over two decades of professional experience as an Education Specialist and teacher, Maria Elena has worked across diverse educational settings, advocating for students with a wide range of learning needs. Her extensive background in special education, paired with her Master’s in Special Education from CSU Long Beach, Autism Authorization and various teaching credentials, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
Throughout her teaching career, Maria Elena has witnessed the gaps in employment opportunities and social inclusion for neurodivergent youth and adults. Inspired by teaching experiences, and motivated by her role as a Coordinator for the Best Buddies Art Show, she has set out to create a space where inclusivity is not just practiced but celebrated. The restaurant will serve as both a vibrant community hub and a supportive workplace, offering job training, skill development, and a path toward independence and confidence for neurodivergent employees.
This initiative reflects Maria Elena’s belief that every individual has the right to contribute meaningfully to their community. Rooted in Long Beach and driven by a deep sense of purpose, her vision is to provide not only a welcoming dining experience but also a model for inclusive business practices that can inspire broader societal change.
