# Cartoon Cat-Inspired Cafes Universal Opens a New Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe with Themed Treats By Kanesa D | Published 2024-11-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal References: [thekingdominsider](https://thekingdominsider.com/get-the-inside-scoop-on-the-new-and-wildly-popular-hello-kitty-and-friends-cafe-and-sanrio-smile-shop-at-universal-citywalk-hollywood/) & [universalstudioshollywood](https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us)  Hello Kitty is the star of a new cafe at [Universal Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theatrical-drinks) Hollywood. The new [Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-2) offers beverages, desserts, and other treats for Sanrio fans to enjoy during their day at the park. Notable products include a variety of mousse come cakes inspired by the Sanrio characters, while other options include beverages like the Tuxedosam Lemonade, Keroppi Matcha Latte, and Kuromi Berry Iced Tea. All items feature adorable Sanrio-inspired packaging, decorative touches, and a cutesy aesthetic. “We really tie back to the character itself,” says Chef Julia. “For instance, our Hello Kitty Mousse Dome is apple-pie themed because one of Hello Kitty’s favorite desserts is apple pie.” Universal guests can also visit the new [Smile Shop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cat-cafe-beds), which stocks a plethora of Hello Kitty and Friends-inspired merchandise. Image Credit: Universal ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 32% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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's Driving This Trend - **Themed Character Cafes:** Cafes inspired by beloved characters like Hello Kitty transform dining experiences into immersive fantasy realms. - **Decorative Beverage Innovations:** Beverages adorned with character-themed decorations enhance visual appeal and create a unique drinking experience. - **Merchandise-centric Dining:** Dining locations that integrate merchandise shops provide a seamless way for fans to extend their thematic experience through retail. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality and Tourism:** Character-themed cafes attract tourists seeking distinctive and memorable experiences, boosting local hospitality ventures. - **Food and Beverage:** The integration of character-inspired themes revitalizes traditional food and beverage offerings, appealing to niche markets. - **Retail and Merchandise:** Blending dining with branded merchandise opportunities amplifies revenue potential by catering to passionate fan bases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon-Inspired Cafe Overhauls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypebeans-1.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Themed Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-2.md) - [Cartoon Cat Boba Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-friends-boba.md) - [Cartoon Cat Dessert Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-birthday-double-cup.md) - [Cartoon Cafe Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Coffee Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grind-coffee.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) - [Cartoon-Themed Tea Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bird-blend-x-hello-kitty.md)