# American Anime Cafes The Hello Kitty Cafe is Now is Opening as a Semi-Permanent LA Cafe By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-07-13 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-cafe References: [la.racked](http://la.racked.com/2016/7/7/12122354/hello-kitty-cafe-pop-up-shipping-container-irvine-spectrum) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HelloKittyCafe/) There have been several Hello Kitty Cafes to launch in Asia, but one of the newest ones is an LA cafe set to take up residence in SoCal. This pop-up anime-themed cafe takes the form of a pink shipping container complete with a patio that will serve a variety of sweets from [artisanal sodas to baked goods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio-x-pastel). Since the pop-up is set to remain where it is for about a year, in the coming months, there are plans to expand the menu with dishes that introduce America to even more of Hello Kitty’s lovable group of friends. While these kinds of [anime cafes and restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sega-2) are hardly a novelty in Asia, it is significant that the popularity of these kinds of themed establishments are now beginning to make their way overseas. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Anime Themed Cafes:** Increasing popularity of anime themed cafes and restaurants are emerging in the Western market. - **Pop-up Dining:** Pop-up dining experiences are becoming popular as a way to test and introduce new culinary concepts. - **Iconic Character Brands:** Iconic character based brands, such as Hello Kitty, are branching out into the food industry to expand their audience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can capitalize on adding pop-up anime themed cafes and restaurant experiences on their menu. - **Hospitality and Tourism:** The hospitality industry can attract tourists and locals alike by incorporating anime themed cafes and restaurants as a unique dining experience. - **Retail and Merchandise:** Retail and merchandise industry can explore licensing possibilities with iconic character brands to launch themed cafes and restaurants to promote their products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anime-Themed Cafe Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-piece-cafe.md) - [Celebratory Plush Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Cafe Overhauls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypebeans-1.md) - [Cartoon Cafe Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty.md) - [Kawaii Cafe Merch Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-hello-kitty.md) - [Cartoon Cappuccino Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-cappuccino.md) - [80s Animated Film Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koriko-cafe.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Pop-Up Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-the-hedgehog-speed.md) - [Animated Fish Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hangyodon-theme-cafe.md)