Hello Kitty has been bringing people of all generations and demographics together into a global community that embraces friendship, kindness and community since her creation in 1974. And now that Hello Kitty has been around for half a century, Sanrio, the intellectual property (IP) owner, is celebrating all the goodness, warmth and charm Hello Kitty has spread and the fans who have helped grow her visibility, influence and messaging.

One way Sanrio is commemorating the 50th anniversary milestone is by growing Hello Kitty’s universe and expanding how fans can engage with her in real life (IRL), such as the opening of two new Hello Kitty Cafes in Vancouver, Canada and Hollywood’s Universal City Walk. Fans can also plunge into her world through the special events, activations and treats at two other existing cafe locations in Las Vegas, N.V. and Irvine, C.A. and Hello Kitty Cafe trucks, which have been popping up all over the U.S. this year.

The Original Hello Kitty Cafe

Having opened its doors in September of 2018, the Irvine location is the first Hello Kitty Cafe (now known as Hello Kitty ‘Grand’ Cafe). It is decorated with white and pink walls and plenty of cute, memorable photo opportunities. This location is known for its extensive menu, upscale sit-down experience and elaborately detailed design elements.

The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe has been celebrating this milestone year with community events, like painting classes as well as limited-edition merchandise, such as the 50th anniversary Hello Kitty glass mug. The cafe has also been serving unique Hello Kitty-inspired desserts, seasonal items, snacks, famously known hot donuts and handmade hot and iced drinks.

Hello Kitty Iced Drink and Cake

Along with treats and sweets, fans can experience the Irvine cafe’s one-of-a-kind ‘Bow Room’. This room allows fans to delve even deeper into Hello Kitty’s reality and is used for afternoon tea (all ages) and evening cocktails (21 and over).

Designed for a more fast-paced experience, the Las Vegas Hello Kitty Cafe is located at the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping district where people can quickly pick up a treat or meal and continue exploring the rest of the city. Fans were extremely enthusiastic about the opening of this location in 2022. Some fans even describe it as ‘a dream come true’.

During the Las Vegas grand opening, small gifts were given to people who purchased items (while supplies lasted), and special giveaways were given to the first 100 guests. This cafe also serves intriguing treats and merchandise that convey elements of both Las Vegas and Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty Fans Enjoying Cafe Experience

The New Locations

With Hello Kitty’s mission to bring together communities and it being a significant anniversary year, Sanrio opened another cafe in Vancouver this past spring — the first Hello Kitty Cafe to open in Canada — to allow more people to share their fandom with one another. The two-story cafe features colorful Hello Kitty graphics, multiple photo opportunities, Vancouver-inspired decor and gives fans a different way to interact with her. The cafe’s grand opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony, fun activities for people of all ages and a special appearance by Hello Kitty.

Not stopping in Canada, Sanrio has continued building and expanding the cafes as one opened a few weeks ago at Hollywood’s Universal City Walk on Friday, September 6. However, this cafe is a bit different as fans can engage with Hello Kitty and her friends — Cinnamoroll, Keroppi, Kuromi, My Melody, Badtz-maru and Chococat.

The cafe catches people’s eyes with Hello Kitty’s signature pink bow, and similar to the Las Vegas Cafe, it welcomes guests to enjoy a grab-and-go menu with the option to dine at umbrella-covered tables. A few items that can be found on the menu are macaron sets, the Hello Kitty Mousse Dome and the Kuromi Berry Iced Tea.

Hello Kitty And Friends Cafe at Hollywood’s Universal City Walk

This cafe is adjacent to the newly opened Sanrio Smile Shop. The vibrant spirit of the shop allows fans to continue their journey with Hello Kitty and her friends, and it offers fans the chance to bring Hello Kitty back home through stylish spirit jerseys, embellished hats, plush toys, keychains, jewelry and more.

If fans are not able to travel to Universal City Walk, Vancouver, Irvine or Las Vegas, fans can check online to see if a Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be stopping by their neighborhood. Some cities the cafe trucks will appear in are Denver, C.O., Sacramento, C.A., Staten Island, N.Y. and Oklahoma City, O.K.

Serving More Than Treats and Drinks

However, these cafes and cafe trucks have not only been built to have afternoon teas, desserts and pay homage to Hello Kitty. They have been designed to foster connections among fans and spread values of friendship and inclusivity that Hello Kitty has embodied since her creation and will continue embodying far past this anniversary year.

Text: Alex Markovich, Sponsored Content Editor

Pictures: License Global