Pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short N’ Sweet Cafe” is scheduled to debut this weekend in Chicago before her concert.
The pop-up coffee shop, inspired by Carpenter’s hit album, will be located at Happy Monday Coffee in the Loop, 30 E. Adams St. On the menu are drinks inspired by her songs — the “Dumb & Poetic” latte and the “Common Sense” cold brew, for example. Baked goods and, of course, new merchandise will also be on sale.
“We’re using some of our own signature drinks that rhyme with the lyrics of the names of the songs that they picked for their drinks,” said Yamel Salazar, the owner of Happy Monday Coffee. “It’s about five drinks. … So, super small menu.”
Fans can also expect a “similar feel and aesthetic” to the star’s September pop-up in New York, according to a spokesperson for Cash App, a collaborator on the pop-ups. Pictures showed blue decorations covering the “transformed coffee shop” with lots of bold, red lip prints — like the one Carpenter wears on the album cover and sequined on her bodysuits during concerts. There was even a red lip couch.
One of Carpenter’s most popular, catchy songs is “Espresso,” where she compares herself to the beverage. “Say you can’t sleep, baby, I know,” she sings. “That’s that me espresso.”
“I am so excited for the ‘Short n Sweet’ tour and to see all my fans at the shows and excited for you to be able to experience the pop-ups too!” Carpenter said in a news release. “These pop-ups will be such a fun experience — and a way to make sure everyone gets ‘that me espresso’ so they can dance the night away at the concert.”
When Happy Monday was approached about hosting the pop-up, Salazar said she was told that Carpenter herself came across one of their specialty drinks on TikTok and wanted to select the business. The drink, “Thyme Is Honey,” is a honey cinnamon latte with almond milk that’s served in a honey bear bottle.
She said Carpenter’s team also appreciated that the company, which has three locations throughout the city, is woman-owned. The Loop store, which is closed Thursday and Friday for setup, will get to keep the profits from the pop-up, she added.
“Being a small business owner is definitely overwhelming and hard, but it just felt rewarding, I guess,” Salazar said. “Like we’re known, we’re being noticed, we must be doing something right. Very proud.”
The pop-up shop is open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carpenter is set to perform at the United Center at 7 p.m. Sunday.
