Sanrio Announces Opening of Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container in Irvine, CA

Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, announces the opening of the Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container. Housed within a metal shipping container, the pop-up cafe will be located in the Giant Wheel Court at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, CA, and will offer supercute and yummy treats to Hello Kitty fans of all ages. The Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container is slated to open to the public on Friday, July 15, with grand opening festivities scheduled to run through Sunday, July 17. The grand opening will include daily customer giveaways (while supplies last).

The Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container offers guests a fast-casual setting, inviting them to pop in & out quickly for a sweet snack – or to stay and enjoy their treats & coffee at bistro tables on the container's pop out patio. Hello Kitty and her friends will welcome customers into the space with bold character graphics adorning the exterior and interior container panels. The cuteness continues inside of the pop-up cafe with modern fixtures and colorful displays throughout.

A brand new menu featuring adorable pies, delicious cakes and unique sweet treats will be available for fans at the pop-up space, with Hello Kitty infused into each of the offerings. In addition, the Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container will offer artisanal sodas and specialty coffee drinks brewed using Portola Coffee Lab coffee. An expanded menu featuring additional Sanrio characters and specialty daily tea service will debut later this year.

"Since its debut last year, the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck has delighted fans in every city it has visited," said Jill Koch, Sr. Vice President of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. "The Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container is an evolution of our cafe experience, offering a new selection of treats and exclusive merchandise in a modern, open concept space."

"There has been tremendous anticipation for the first ever Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container to open," said Easther Liu, chief marketing officer for Irvine Company Retail Properties. "We're proud that the Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up Container experience will be available exclusively here at Irvine Spectrum Center for Hello Kitty fans all over to enjoy."

Fans can stay up-to-date on grand opening festivities and events at the pop-up cafe, as well as with Hello Kitty Cafe Truck appearances, by following the Hello Kitty Cafe on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

Media requests: Orsi Public Relations
Dyann Hawkins/Racine Diaz (323)874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com/racine@orsipr.com