Universal CityWalk New Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe & Sanrio Smile Shop

This year, in honor of Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary, Hello Kitty is posing with guests at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, wearing a new soft pastel pink dress to commemorate her milestone moment.

On September 6, Hello Kitty and friends welcomed guests for memorable photo ops as she stood in front of her brand new Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe, serving fans sweet treats and specialty beverages. It's the first of its kind to open in Los Angeles.

Located near the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood, along Universal CityWalk, there is also a new Sanrio Smile Shop displaying a wide selection of Hello Kitty merchandise. Some of the exclusive-theme items are only found at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Photo worthy installations include a Hello Kitty topiary and front of the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, featuring a giant signature Hello Kitty bow. Framed by a pastel pink and white awning, guests seeking a quick snack can visit the walk-up venue. Indulge in the grab-and-go menu, and dine at one of umbrella-covered tables located just outside the venue.

The Sanrio-themed menu offers an array of whimsical creations that include desserts and drinks. The desserts include:

• Hello Kitty® Mousse Dome – A red chocolate dome-shaped caked with cinnamon mousse, apple pie filling and cinnamon streusel.
• Seasonal Mousse Domes – Seasonal dome cakes inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends crafted uniquely based on their personalities and composed of chocolate mousse and a delicious combination of fruit fillings and sponge cake.
• Strawberry Cake – Vanilla sponge cake, strawberry jam and whipped white chocolate ganache.
• Berry & Cream Churro – Berry stuffed churro with cream cheese frosting.
• Birthday Cake – Confetti cake layered with white chocolate mousse topped with whipped white chocolate ganache.
• Macaron Set – A set of raspberry, caramel, vanilla, pistachio and chocolate macarons.
• Hello Kitty Cookie – A Hello Kitty-shaped sugar cookie topped with royal icing and rainbow sprinkles.

Whimsical theme beverages include:
· Hello Kitty® Strawberry Green Iced Tea – Strawberry green tea, pink sugar rim with strawberries and mint.
· My Melody™ Lemonade – Strawberry lemonade, yellow sugar rim, garnished with strawberries and a lemon wheel.
· Kuromi™ Berry Iced Tea – Blackberry tea, purple sugar rim and served with blackberry and mint.
· Tuxedosam™ Lemonade – Blue raspberry lemonade, pink sugar rim served and a lemon wheel.
· Keroppi™ Matcha Latte – Frozen matcha latte topped with whipped cream and matcha powder.
· Chococat™ Frozen Mocha – Frozen coffee, chocolate boba, whipped cream topped with chocolate sprinkles.

Next to the cafe is the new Sanrio Smile Shop celebrating all things Sanrio and Hello Kitty. Guests will notice the cheerful spirit of Hello Kitty and her closest friends, Cinnamoroll, Keroppi, Kuromi, My Melody, Badtz-maru and Chococat, with a wide selection of themed collectibles.

Iconic statement pieces in the Sanrio Smile Shop include vibrant colors, iconic motif backpacks with Hello Kitty’s iconic bow, stylish Spirit Jersey, embellished hats, specialty cups and mugs, collectible pins, t-shirts, plush toys, keychains, jewelry, phone cases, and lanyards.

Hello Kitty continues to bring her message of friendship and kindness to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park where she meets with guests in a dedicated area adjacent to the Animation Studio Store which offers exclusive merchandise that celebrates her status as a global pop icon.
More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.