In the earliest days of the Build-Outs feature series, we set out to take submissions on cafes that were active construction sites. Show us your works in progress! Take us behind the scenes!
Over the years this has evolved to a more big tent approach to Builds, and this year we’re featuring any cafe that’s opened in the year 2025. But we will always have a soft spot for Build-Out features in situ, that harken back to the original concept of the feature series. Such is the scene today at Pinup Coffee Co. in Virginia Beach, which won’t open until later this fall. Here you have an inside work at a cafe in embryo, still dreaming of what it someday will be. What a treat—a true pleasure. Let’s learn more!
As told to Sprudge by Stephanie Wein.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Our mission is to craft better coffee for all. Our passion for craftsmanship is about much more than just creating better tasting, approachable specialty coffee. For us it’s about about bringing vibrance to the lives of each person involved and being conscious of doing the right thing. We roast our coffee with care to showcase each coffee’s incredible flavor, and we love to share the good vibes with local tastings, events, and gatherings.
From single origin and limited releases, to blends named after WWII aircraft pin-up art; grabbing a bag of Pinup coffee reminds us that the good stuff is waiting at home! Our cafes (and our Roastery) are designed with this approachable yet high-quality design to encourage being together over great coffee, and savoring each sip considering all of the hard-working hands that created it. Our first cafe (Pinup Coffee Co Cafe at Farmhouse) is truly a local hub, where we partner with Back Bay Brewing on events that celebrate all things local. The new build at Sherwood Lakes will take this vision to a new level, including a kitchen and ample indoor and outdoor seating space.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The new build is called The Traditions at Sherwood Lakes, it is near bustling areas of Virginia Beach; between Red Mill and Pungo, and next to other incredible local establishments and housing areas. Construction on the shell build is just finishing up, and our architect is working on our design and layout, with final opening dates estimated as fall 2025. The space is about 2,500 square feet and has a 420-square-foot covered patio overlooking the lake, we plan to utilize the space to create a welcoming area for all to enjoy specialty coffee. This includes group tables, bar seating, a merch/coffee bag area, a small kitchen with bites designed by a local chef, locally sourced ingredients, and of course our roasted coffee.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Our approach to specialty coffee is to use incredible coffees for our blends—creating welcoming favorites for customers to fall in love with; and small-lot traceable single origin coffees for customers to explore and appreciate. Our blends are post-roast blended to ensure each coffee is roasted to its full potential. Our single origin coffee offerings are very selective as well—we aim to work with the best suppliers with direct ties to the farm, whom we trust to do right by coffee farmers. For us, coffee is about appreciating each step in the chain, from the farmer to the end drinker.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We are going to put in a La Marzocco Linea PB, Mahlkönig E65 GbW grinders, batch brewers, pour-over stations, and more. We are a partner of La Marzocco and service our equipment in-house.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Our business utilizes sustainability practices that align well with our locality—meaning we use recyclable 12 ounce bags that can be recycled here. We also utilize local partners like Tidewater compost for our chaff and grinds, and donate our jute bags to local farms. Our Sherwood Cafe will follow suit with sustainable food packaging, recyclable cups, and promote “use your own clean cup” at the bar.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
October 2025
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
The architect is local Iconic Dezigns, who will work with our brand designers from Brandt Creative Co. Kitchen and menu design will incorporate the expertise and craftsmanship of local The Silver Fox Food Truck, and we use baked goods from Top Knot Artisan Bakery.
Thank you!
Thank you for considering us!
Pinup Coffee Co Cafe is located at 2128 Locksley Arch, Suite 130, Virginia Beach. Visit their official website and follow them on Instagram.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.