Virginia Beach Coffee Roaster Opens First Full Kitchen Cafe What Shoppers Need to Know

A Virginia Beach-based coffee roaster has reached a major milestone by launching its first standalone cafe with a full kitchen, marking a significant shift in how the company serves its local community. Pinup Coffee Co., founded in 2021 by Navy veterans Stephanie and Bryce Wein, has officially opened its doors at the Traditions at Sherwood Lakes development, introducing both expanded beverage options and a scratch-made food program that sets it apart from traditional coffee shops.

What Makes This New Cafe Different

The new 2,500-square-foot cafe represents the company’s most ambitious project to date. Unlike the founders’ first location inside the Back Bay Farmhouse, this standalone space was built from the ground up, allowing the Weins to customize every detail from plumbing and electrical systems to water filtration before construction even began. The result is a thoughtfully designed space that blends the brand’s signature aesthetic with practical functionality for both employees and customers.

The cafe overlooks a lake and features a large covered patio ideal for enjoying your morning cup. Inside, visitors will find brushed metal finishes, polished concrete floors, and custom World War II pinup art, creating an atmosphere that reflects the company’s distinct identity. Notably, custom tables crafted from reclaimed wood salvaged from an 1840s barn by local maker Benevolent Design Co. add authentic character throughout the space.

Equipment and Beverage Quality

For coffee enthusiasts, the bar setup is noteworthy. The cafe is equipped with professional-grade espresso machines, including a La Marzocco Linea PB 3-group model, paired with multiple grinder options from Mahlkönig. The setup also includes pourover equipment and manual matcha sets, giving customers various options beyond espresso. Bryce Wein, who holds SCA certification in espresso machine technology, personally oversaw the equipment installation and continues to maintain machinery for wholesale customers.

New Food Offerings Set It Apart

The biggest departure from Pinup’s original cafe concept is the addition of a full food program. The company partnered with chef Megan Powers, formerly of the Silver Fox Food Truck, to design the kitchen layout and develop a rotating seasonal menu with fewer than ten scratch-made items. Current offerings include the Signature Pinup Sando with ciabatta, bacon, blue cheese, and a fried egg, along with options like Caprese Avocado Toast and Candied Bacon Pimento BLT. All pastries and breads come from Top Knot Artisan Bakery, another Virginia Beach small business.

This food-forward approach reflects a growing trend in specialty coffee shops, where quality beverages are now paired with equally thoughtful culinary offerings. Whether you’re selecting premium ground coffee to brew at home or enjoying a carefully prepared drink on site, the focus on quality ingredients and craftsmanship is evident.

What This Means for Local Coffee Shoppers

The opening creates more reasons for Virginia Beach residents to support a homegrown business. By operating two distinct cafe locations plus a wholesale roastery, Pinup has established a local footprint that many small coffee companies never achieve. The new Sherwood Lakes cafe serves as a destination location rather than just another coffee stop, with its lakeside setting and expanded amenities making it suitable for work sessions, casual meetings, or leisurely mornings.

The Weins have indicated they are not actively pursuing further expansion at the moment, choosing instead to focus on perfecting their current operations. However, they noted that the future of their Back Bay Farmhouse location could change depending on planned redevelopment of that property.

Where to Find the New Cafe

Pinup Coffee Sherwood is located at 2160 Locksley Arch in Virginia Beach, positioned conveniently between the Red Mill and Pungo areas. The location was actually discovered during the founders’ commute home from work, and they decided immediately it was the right fit for their vision.

For coffee lovers looking to support local roasters or try beverages made with equipment comparable to specialty coffee shops, this new cafe offers an excellent opportunity. The combination of quality to-go options and an inviting sit-down environment makes it accessible whether you’re in a rush or planning to stay.