# Crowdfunded Marshmallow Cafes 'XO Marshmallow' Will Soon Be Opening Its Doors in Chicago By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-05-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-cafe References: [hellogiggles](http://hellogiggles.com/first-marshmallow-cafe-opening/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/xomarshmallow/kickstart-xo-marshmallows-first-cafe-smores-shop?ref=card) 'XO Marshmallow' is the name of a new marshmallow cafe that will soon be opening in Chicago following support from a successful Kickstarter campaign. As its name suggests, the cafe specializes in anything and everything marshmallow, including S'Mores, Marshmallow Cones, Toasted Marshmallow Lattes and Marshmallow Pops. XO Marshmallow will also offer a 'Marshmallow of the Month Club,' which operates like a subscription service that treats consumers with a sweet tooth to an assortment of marshmallow-centric confections every few months. The rise of cafes and restaurants that only serve a single type of food or beverage item is only becoming more popular. Other examples of eateries that are focused on a particular product include the Avocaderia, which serves avocado-based dishes, and Maille's dijon mustard tasting bar. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 73% | 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Marshmallow-centric Cafes:** The rise of cafes and restaurants that specialize in a single food or beverage item presents an opportunity for innovation and experimentation in creating unique marshmallow-based treats. - **Subscription-based Food Services:** The popularity of subscription-based services like XO Marshmallow's 'Marshmallow of the Month Club' opens up potential for other businesses to offer curated food or beverage experiences on a recurring basis. - **Hyper-focused Eateries:** The success of marshmallow cafes, avocado-based restaurants, and dijon mustard tasting bars indicates a growing market for hyper-focused eateries that cater to niche food preferences. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food & Beverage:** Restaurants and cafes can explore the potential of creating hyper-focused establishments offering unique food and beverage concepts. - **Subscription Services:** From experiential food subscriptions to curated monthly boxes, there is room for innovation and disruption in the subscription-based industry. - **Hospitality & Tourism:** The rise of specialty cafes and eateries presents an opportunity for the hospitality industry to attract customers seeking unique and immersive dining experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Marshmallow Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xo-marshmallow-advent-calendar.md) - [Airy Easter Chocolate Eggs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xo-marshmallow-easter-eggs.md) - [Chocolate Chip Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smore-speckled-marshmallow.md) - [Minty Marshmallow Truffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peppermint-fluffle.md) - [Plant-Powered Marshmallow Cremes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-cremes.md) - [Toasted Marshmallow-Flavored Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallowflavored-coffee.md) - [Campfire-Themed Marshmallow Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carvel-2.md) - [Gourmet Agave-Date Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mojave-marshmallows.md) - [Toasted Marshmallow Lemonades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toasted-marshmallow-lemonade.md)