About Gaa Café
Gaa Café is an exciting new specialty coffee and tea concept designed to offer a high-quality, community-focused experience in Jacksonville. The café’s name, “Gaa,” comes from the Cantonese romanization meaning “home,” reflecting the founder’s heritage and the café’s mission to create a welcoming and comfortable space for all. This concept of home is at the heart of Gaa Café’s brand identity, providing customers with a genuine sense of belonging and warmth.
Gaa Café features fusion-inspired specialty coffees, artisanal teas, and a variety of in-house baked goods, along with select locally sourced pastries, light meals, and curated beverages. Signature offerings such as Elderflower Malt Coffee and Marshmallow Coffee are expected to become customer favorites — even viral sensations — attracting a diverse audience and helping shape Baymeadows’ evolving coffee culture.
The café is led by Kelly Lei, a Hong Kong–born entrepreneur with extensive management experience and a passion for artisanal beverages. Inspired by her heritage and a memorable visit to a small Hong Kong coffee shop in January 2024, Kelly created Gaa Café as a testament to connection, community, and creativity.
Mission
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Gaa Café’s mission is to create a vibrant space where individuals and families can gather, connect, and enjoy world-class coffee and tea in a welcoming, home-like environment. By offering fusion-inspired menu items and locally sourced ingredients, the café aims to meet Jacksonville’s growing demand for experiential and high-quality dining experiences.
Vision
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Gaa Café’s vision is to become a premier coffee and tea destination in Jacksonville, setting the standard for creativity, community engagement, and authentic hospitality. The café aspires to expand its reach by becoming a trusted brand known for its innovation, exceptional service, and commitment to making every customer feel at home.
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Ownership
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Gaa Café is 100% owned and operated by its founder, Kelly Lei, who brings a deep personal passion for coffee culture and business management — driven by her vision to create a welcoming and innovative café experience in Neptune Beach.
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Founder Highlights
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• Inspired by a café run by an elderly couple in Hong Kong, Kelly decided to turn her lifelong dream into reality.
• Treats the café as her “second baby,” reflecting her dedication to nurturing its growth and success.
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Founder’s Message
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My name is Kelly Lei, owner of Gaa Café, a women-owned and culturally diverse coffee shop located in the Baymeadows area of Jacksonville. As a proud Duval County resident, I have spent years dreaming of a place where the flavors and traditions of Hong Kong culture can bring people together. With my life savings invested, Gaa Café is my way of creating a warm, welcoming space where community, culture, and connection meet — truly “a taste of home away from home.”
I moved to Jacksonville from Hong Kong in January 2017 for my husband’s work. In Hong Kong, I worked primarily in the non-profit sector with organizations such as the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (Hong Kong), AFS Intercultural Programs Hong Kong, and the Federation of Medical Societies of Hong Kong. After relocating to Jacksonville, I continued my passion for serving others by working with the Jacksonville Housing Authority from March 2018 through March 2023 in Accounting, Finance, and Section 8 Housing.
It has always been my lifelong dream to own and operate a local café. While living in Jacksonville, I noticed the absence of Hong Kong–themed establishments, which inspired me to introduce the city to authentic Hong Kong snacks and a unique coffee experience.
I became a proud U.S. citizen in 2022, and this great country — and this great city — have given me the opportunity to pursue my dream as a female entrepreneur.
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