Not long ago, Brew & Bean was just another local café tucked between a laundromat and a bookstore. It had its regulars, served decent coffee, and quietly went about its business. Nothing out of the ordinary.
But everything changed when they decided to completely revamp their menu — and the internet couldn’t get enough. What did they do? And how did it turn into an overnight viral sensation? Let’s break it down.
Struggles
Before going viral, Brew & Bean was actually struggling. Foot traffic was slow, social media engagement was dead, and competitors with flashy branding were pulling the younger crowd. The owners knew something had to change — and fast.
They tried discounts, live music, even new furniture. But nothing really moved the needle.
Strategy
Instead of copying big chains or playing it safe, the café took a bold step: reinvent the entire menu based on what people love sharing — not just eating.
The team sat down and asked: what foods go viral online? What makes someone snap a photo and post it to Instagram or TikTok? The answers: color, uniqueness, and surprise.
From there, the rebranding began.
Aesthetic
First came the visuals. The new menu featured items that looked amazing — rainbow lattes, galaxy-themed donuts, charcoal-infused croissants, and edible glitter in iced drinks. It wasn’t just food anymore, it was an experience.
Each item was designed to be photographed. Baristas started serving drinks with smoky dry ice effects. Cupcakes were topped with cotton candy clouds. Even the plates and cups were upgraded for maximum shareability.
Originals
But it wasn’t all about appearance. The café also introduced unique flavors that customers couldn’t find anywhere else. Think matcha and rose fusion lattes, turmeric caramel shakes, and espresso floats with vanilla bean ice cream.
They leaned into bold combinations and gave each item a quirky name. Suddenly, ordering at Brew & Bean became fun and memorable.
Here’s a peek at the standout items:
| Menu Item | Flavor Twist |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Latte | Espresso + Butterfly Pea Tea |
| Charcoal Croissant | Black Cocoa + Sea Salt |
| Cloud Cupcake | Cotton Candy + Vanilla |
| Sunset Smoothie Bowl | Mango + Dragonfruit |
| Rosematcha Latte | Matcha + Rosewater |
Social
Next step? Let the world see it. Brew & Bean encouraged customers to tag the café in photos for a chance to win free drinks. They launched a weekly “Feature Friday” on Instagram to highlight the most creative posts.
One TikTok showing a barista torching a crème brûlée latte hit 1.2 million views in just three days. Soon, influencers started showing up, and food bloggers took notice.
It wasn’t just a café anymore. It was a photo op.
Buzz
Within two months of launching the new menu, foot traffic tripled. People were coming in not just for the drinks, but for the experience. Lines were forming, hashtags were trending, and media outlets started covering the “menu makeover.”
Even better? Regulars didn’t leave. They just ordered different things. The menu redesign attracted a whole new audience without alienating the old one.
Impact
Going viral brought more than just likes and followers — it brought revenue. Sales of specialty items went up by 300%. Merchandise like mugs and tote bags with their new logo started flying off shelves. And what started as a creative risk turned into a brand identity.
The café now sells digital recipe cards, does pop-up booths at festivals, and even launched a mini cookbook. All from a menu glow-up.
The story of Brew & Bean proves that sometimes, a little creativity and a willingness to stand out is all it takes. By leaning into what the internet loves — color, uniqueness, and share-worthy moments — one local café turned a menu into a movement. So next time you sip on that glittery latte, remember: it might just be your turn to go viral.
FAQs
What made the menu go viral?
Creative, colorful, and highly shareable food items.
Which item was most popular?
The Galaxy Latte with butterfly pea tea.
Did social media help boost sales?
Yes, viral posts tripled foot traffic and sales.
Was the flavor sacrificed for looks?
No, they combined bold looks with unique flavors.
Is the café still popular today?
Yes, and it now sells merch and digital content too.
