# Charming Cartoon Cat Cafes The New Hello Kitty Grand Cafe is Set to Open in Irvine, California By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2018-09-07 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-grand-cafe References: [delish](https://www.delish.com/food/a23013114/hello-kitty-grand-cafe-irvine-california/) & [sanrio](https://www.sanrio.com/pages/hellokittycafe) Everyone's favorite cartoon cat is set to collide with fast-casual dining in the form of the new [Hello Kitty Grand Cafe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop). An [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Cross-platform-search-analytics) influencer's dream, this millennial pink cafe is truly picture perfect. Set to open on September 14th in Irvine, California, the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant based on the beloved [Sanrio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypebeans-1) cartoon. The new location is the "first-ever permanent cafe in the U.S. featuring dual experiential spaces." In other words, there is a fast-causal section, where the public can pick up made-to-order mini donuts and adorable Sanrio character mini cakes. There is also a separate private room where diners can enjoy afternoon tea or a special cocktail service. However, the true draw of the cafe is it's interior design which is decked out in pink and white details just like Japan's most famous kitty. Image Credit: *Jakob Layman.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cartoon Character Themed Cafes:** Opportunity for other popular cartoon characters to launch themed cafes and offer a unique dining experience. - **Experiential Dining:** Restaurants can create immersive dining experiences like separate themed rooms or interactive elements. - **Influencer-inspired Design:** Cafes can focus on creating Instagrammable spaces to appeal to social media influencers and attract customers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Hotels and resorts can create themed cafes or dining experiences to enhance their guests' stay. - **Cartoon Merchandise:** Companies involved in the cartoon industry can expand into the food and beverage sector by launching themed cafes or restaurants. - **Interior Design:** Interior design firms can specialize in creating visually appealing spaces for restaurants to attract customers and enhance their brand image. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon-Inspired Cafe Overhauls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypebeans-1.md) - [Celebratory Plush Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Coffee Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grind-coffee.md) - [Cartoon Cafe Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty.md) - [Iconic Cat Birthday Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-happy-50.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Themed Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-2.md) - [Cartoon Cat Dessert Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-birthday-double-cup.md) - [Cartoon Cappuccino Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-cappuccino.md) - [Kawaii Cafe Merch Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-hello-kitty.md)