“This is California dreaming”, Ralph’s Coffee writes in an Instagram post. It’s true—Ralph Lauren and Ralph’s Coffee just opened in Fashion Island on Tuesday, January 20th. With the cafe’s first location on the west coast, the demand for new and fresh businesses, as well as the excitement of a luxury experience, the stores are sure to take off, and already have.
Ralph Lauren is a designer clothing brand, well-known for their polo shirt and signature polo player on a horse logo that is etched into many of their pieces. This symbol extends far beyond tiny loops of thread. It recognizes their roots as global innovators of style and the core values behind the company that exceed expectations of quality and everyday fashion. Ralph’s Coffee first opened in 2014, evoking the timeless and comforting atmosphere that the clothing store brings, but in the form of a preppy, elevated cafe. After a long day of work, Ralph’s Coffee provides a happy environment to wind down and sip warm, cozy drinks.
At 10:00 am, Ralph’s Coffee opened with a long line wrapped around the building. Although they opened late in the morning, their normal hours of operation are 8:00 am to 7:00pm Monday through Saturday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. The interior of the store is green and filled with the iconic Ralph Lauren bears. It’s definitely Instagram-worthy and has plenty of charming details to take pictures. Creators on the internet recommend a few highlights from the menu: iced coffee, chai, soft serve, hot chocolate, matcha, croissants, and muffins. They also have a merchandise section for customers wanting to take home a piece of their experience. The store offers mugs, hats, T-shirts, and more beautiful home goods.
The internet went crazy for the coffee shop. Some called it “perfect” and their soft serve “divine”. Michael Carlos, a Newport Beach creator, said, “…it really feels like stepping back in time”. The shop fulfills many criteria that shoppers love, such as detailed design perfect for photos, a familiar and vintage style, as well as the luxurious feel of the company. It brings a fancy twist to the classic cafe, making a simple coffee feel like drinking out of a porcelain teacup.
A blogger known as Lemees called it a “must try if you’re in Orange County”. Ralph’s Coffee is available on the East Coast of the United States as well as in locations in Europe and Asia. Newport Beach is proud to welcome its first West Coast spot.
With a different perspective, Coco Head, a 9th grader at CdM, visited the cafe and shared her thoughts. She waited for two hours to get into the shop, saying, “I think it was still kind of like any other cafe.” She continued on to say, “You could go to any other small business that’s a cafe and get coffee that tastes exactly the same, but not have to wait for two hours.” Head ordered a vanilla latte and found it to be “pretty good,” but tastes like any other coffee shop. She did go to the shop during opening week, so the demand is expected to calm after a few weeks of being in business. Influencer Jade Lee said, “It’s definitely more about the experience and the vibes than mind-blowing coffee, but let’s be honest, everything tastes better when it’s designer and cute”.
The cafe connects to the Ralph Lauren store for convenient sipping and shopping. The store is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. It features clothes for men, women, and children.
The opening of Ralph Lauren and Ralph’s Coffee is huge for Newport Beach and shopping at Fashion Island. The mall has been making many changes, and this one is sure to be a crowd favorite. One commenter on Ralph Lauren’s LinkedIn post about the location’s opening said, “This is where physical retail wins. Product, environment, and café working together to create a true destination, not just a store.” Nothing beats the comfort and joy of a cute coffee shop and buying a new sweater.
