Virginia Beach, Virginia, a city increasingly recognized for its burgeoning culinary and craft beverage scene, has welcomed a significant new addition to its landscape with the grand opening of Pinup Coffee Co.’s first standalone cafe. Located in the Traditions at Sherwood Lakes development, this expansive 2,500-square-foot establishment, complete with a full-service kitchen and a generous covered patio overlooking a serene lake, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory. This strategic expansion, situated between the established Red Mill and Pungo areas, places the new cafe in close proximity to the home of Pinup Coffee Co. founders, Stephanie and Bryce Wein.
From Active Duty to Artisan Roasters: The Pinup Coffee Journey
The genesis of Pinup Coffee Co. can be traced back to June 2021, a time when both Stephanie and Bryce Wein were serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy. What began as a passion project fueled by their shared love for high-quality coffee has rapidly evolved into a respected local brand. Transitioning from their military careers to full-time entrepreneurship, the Weins have demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of the coffee industry.
Their expansion into a brick-and-mortar cafe follows a series of strategic growth initiatives. In 2022, Pinup Coffee Co. established a dedicated production roastery, a crucial step in ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of their signature roasts. This was followed by the opening of their inaugural cafe in 2024, housed within the Back Bay Farmhouse. This initial foray into retail provided valuable experience and laid the groundwork for the more ambitious Sherwood Lakes location. The current development represents the culmination of their vision, transforming a formerly undeveloped space into a destination for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
A Serendipitous Discovery and a Blank Canvas
The discovery of the Sherwood Lakes location was, by Stephanie Wein’s account, a moment of serendipity. "We always knew we wanted to open one more cafe in Virginia Beach, but we weren’t actively searching for this particular location," she shared with Daily Coffee News. "We actually discovered the building during an ordinary drive home after work and something about it immediately felt right." This intuitive connection proved to be a catalyst for what would become their most ambitious project to date.
Describing the initial space as a "blank canvas," Wein highlighted the unique opportunities and challenges presented by building a cafe from the ground up. "Building from the ground up gave us opportunities we had never had before, but it also introduced challenges we hadn’t experienced with our first cafe," she explained. This involved meticulous planning and collaboration with architects and contractors to precisely map out every essential element of the cafe’s infrastructure. "We had to place every plumbing line, floor drain, electrical circuit, and water filtration system before the concrete was poured," Wein elaborated, underscoring the depth of foresight required for such a project.
Design Philosophy: A Fusion of Heritage and Craftsmanship
The interior design of the Pinup Coffee Sherwood Lakes cafe is a deliberate reflection of the brand’s established aesthetic, which draws inspiration from mid-20th-century Americana, particularly the iconic "pinup" art style. This theme is subtly woven throughout the space through a sophisticated blend of brushed metal finishes and polished concrete, creating an industrial yet inviting ambiance. A prominent feature is a custom-designed World War II pinup art collage wall, serving as a vibrant focal point and a nod to the company’s namesake.
Further enhancing the theme, a large schematic wall pays homage to both aviation and coffee equipment engineering, a subtle yet compelling detail that resonates with the founders’ military background and their appreciation for precision and craftsmanship. Complementing these elements are custom-made tables crafted by local Virginia Beach artisan Benevolent Design Co. These tables are distinguished by their use of reclaimed wood, salvaged from an 1840s barn, adding a layer of history and rustic charm to the modern design.
The collaborative spirit of Pinup Coffee extends to the cafe’s unique decorative touches. Many of these were brought to life through the dedicated efforts of friends and community members who contributed their time and skills after hours. This collective endeavor resulted in the creation of live-edge shelving, striking accent walls, and various custom fixtures. "That work allowed us to create details that felt uniquely Pinup instead of settling for off-the-shelf solutions," Wein stated, emphasizing the value of personalized craftsmanship in shaping the cafe’s distinctive character.
A State-of-the-Art Coffee Program
The bar at Pinup Coffee Sherwood Lakes is equipped with a comprehensive suite of high-end coffee preparation equipment, reflecting a commitment to excellence in every cup. Anchoring the espresso program is a La Marzocco Linea PB 3-group espresso machine, renowned for its performance and consistency. Complementing this are Mahlkönig grinders – the E65, E80, and EK43 – offering unparalleled precision for grinding a variety of beans. The cafe also features dedicated equipment for pourover methods, ensuring that manual brewing techniques are executed with the utmost care. For batch brewing, a Bunn system is in place, and manual matcha sets are available for those seeking alternative beverage experiences.
The installation and maintenance of this sophisticated equipment are overseen by Bryce Wein, who brings a unique skillset to the operation. As an SCA-certified espresso machine technician, he possesses a deep understanding of the machinery’s intricacies. This expertise not only ensures optimal performance of the cafe’s equipment but also benefits Pinup Coffee’s wholesale customers, who can rely on Bryce for expert equipment maintenance. This technical proficiency is a significant asset, contributing to the overall efficiency and quality of the coffee service.
Culinary Innovation: A Seasonal and Scratch-Made Approach
The Sherwood Lakes cafe introduces a significant departure from Pinup Coffee’s previous offerings with its robust, full-service kitchen and an emphasis on scratch-made, seasonally rotating dishes. This culinary expansion was a carefully considered strategic move, designed to complement the coffee experience and offer patrons a more complete dining destination.
To develop this ambitious food program, Pinup Coffee collaborated with Chef Megan Powers of Silver Fox Food Truck. Chef Powers, formerly a fixture in the Virginia Beach culinary scene and now based in Long Island, New York, lent her expertise to the project. Her contributions included assisting with the kitchen layout, selecting appropriate equipment, and developing a focused menu. The current menu features fewer than ten meticulously crafted items, prioritizing quality and seasonality.
Signature dishes that exemplify the cafe’s culinary direction include the "Signature Pinup Sando," a delectable creation featuring ciabatta bread layered with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese crumbles, greens tossed in a tarragon vinaigrette, and crowned with a perfectly sunny-side-up egg. Another highlight is the "Caprese Avocado Toast," a vibrant and fresh interpretation of a brunch classic. The "Candied Bacon Pimento BLT" offers a Southern-inspired twist on a beloved sandwich, promising a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Further enhancing the cafe’s food offerings, Pinup Coffee partners with another local Virginia Beach small business, Top Knot Artisan Bakery. This collaboration ensures a consistent supply of high-quality pastries and breads, further embedding the cafe within the local economic ecosystem and supporting other regional artisans.
Strategic Growth and Future Outlook
The opening of the Sherwood Lakes cafe signifies a major milestone for Pinup Coffee Co., positioning them with a strong local footprint through their wholesale roasting program and two distinct cafe experiences. When asked about future expansion plans, Stephanie Wein expressed a measured approach. "Right now, we truly love where we are," she stated. "Between our wholesale roasting program and our two cafes, each with its own distinct vibe, we feel like we’ve built the kind of local footprint Pinup Coffee Co. was originally built for."
However, the future of their first cafe, located at the Back Bay Farmhouse, remains subject to external developments. The potential redevelopment of the Back Bay Brewing Farmhouse property could influence the long-term presence of the Farmhouse cafe, underscoring the dynamic nature of the local business environment and the need for adaptability.
A Community Hub with a View
The physical location of the Sherwood Lakes cafe offers a unique environmental advantage. The expansive covered patio provides patrons with a picturesque setting to enjoy their coffee and meals while overlooking a tranquil lake. This scenic backdrop enhances the overall customer experience, transforming the cafe into a destination not just for its offerings but also for its ambiance. The development’s positioning between Red Mill and Pungo also suggests an appeal to a broad demographic within Virginia Beach, potentially attracting residents from various neighborhoods seeking a high-quality coffee and dining experience.
The Pinup Coffee Sherwood Lakes cafe is located at 2160 Locksley Arch, Virginia Beach, VA. This new venture solidifies Pinup Coffee Co.’s presence in the Virginia Beach community, demonstrating a sustained commitment to growth, quality, and a unique brand experience.
Key Takeaways from the Pinup Coffee Sherwood Lakes Opening:
- Strategic Expansion: The standalone cafe with a full kitchen represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for Pinup Coffee Co.
- Founders’ Vision: The project was driven by the founders’ dedication and a serendipitous discovery of the ideal location.
- Design Excellence: The cafe’s interior thoughtfully blends industrial aesthetics with thematic elements and custom artisanal features.
- Culinary Focus: The introduction of a scratch-made, seasonally driven menu elevates the cafe’s offering beyond traditional coffee shop fare.
- Community Integration: Partnerships with local businesses like Benevolent Design Co. and Top Knot Artisan Bakery underscore a commitment to supporting the regional economy.
- Operational Expertise: Bryce Wein’s technical skills in coffee equipment maintenance provide a distinct advantage for the business and its clients.
- Balanced Growth Strategy: While celebrating this major achievement, the company maintains a thoughtful approach to future expansion.
