#FIRSTLOOK: MINISO HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS POP-UP AT SCARBOROUGH TOWN CENTRE

Scarborough Town Centre (STC) will be home to MINISO’s first-ever Hello Kitty and Friends Pop-Up in Canada. Fans are invited to visit STC on April 25, 2026 for the pop-up’s grand opening, with the experience happening in Centre Court until May 24, 2026.

Sanrio enthusiasts will be able to explore more than 500 Hello Kitty and Friends products all in one place, including the Racing Club Collection Vinyl Plush Pendant Surprise Box, a launch exclusive to Canadian pop-ups. Plus, on opening day, fans can enjoy interactive activities by the checkout counter.

“This exclusive pop up experience will resonate with the wider community and reinforce STC as a cultural destination. We’re proud to bring one-of-a-kind retail experiences to Centre Court and create an exciting activation with engaged and enthusiastic fans. This is about fun, fandom and friendship in the heart of the community,” said Karen Calibuso-Kwa, Scarborough Town Centre Marketing Manager. “This is more than a pop-up; it is a must-visit experience.”

WHAT

Hello Kitty and Friends Pop-Up – Grand Opening Day

WHERE

Scarborough Town Centre

Centre Court

300 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON M1P 4P5

WHEN

Saturday, April 25
10:00 AM – Pop-up opens to the public, with the mascot appearing every 40 minutes until 1:00 PM.

#FOOD: STARBUCKS AND HELLO KITTY COLLABORATION

Just in time for holiday gifting, Starbucks and Hello Kitty are teaming up to bring the season’s most adorable merchandise to Starbucks coffeehouses across Canada, starting Nov. 6, 2025 while supplies last.

Created by the Japanese company Sanrio® in 1974, Hello Kitty has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the essence of kawaii – the heartfelt Japanese culture of cuteness – and bringing her signature sweetness to everything from lunch boxes and luggage to high fashion and art collaborations.

The exclusive collection features an array of items and collectibles, including a Hello Kitty plush dressed in the iconic Starbucks green apron (and her signature red bow!), alongside her cuddly teddy bear, Tiny Chum.

#COOKING: HELLO KITTY MAC & CHEESE RECIPE

Hello Kitty Mac & Cheese.  She’s an icon and what better way to celebrate her in a dish worthy of her greatness, Mac & Cheese? Our mind was blown that Hello Kitty Pasta exists and we found this in a Japanese Houseware Store (Oomomo). You also can find this online. Something a little fun and comforting to make your day for kids big and small!

Ingredients:

450g Hello Kitty-shaped Pasta

3 cups whole milk

3 cups Old Cheddar, grated

1 cup Gruyere, grated

6 Kraft Singles

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup flour

6 tbsps unsalted butter

5-6 drops red food colouring (or beet juice if you’re conscious like that!)

Sea salt and pepper

Olive oil

Crust:

1 cup Panko

½ cup Parmesan, grated

4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted

½ tsp Paprika

4 drops red food colouring (or beet juice!)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta till al dente and set aside. Toss in a bit of olive oil.
2. Preheat oven at 350°F.
3. In large sauce pan on medium heat, melt butter, add cheeses (reserve about a cup or more), milk, cream, salt and pepper. Stir frequently till just melted.
4. In small bowl mix flour and a bit of water to make a slurry.
5. Whisk slurry into cheese sauce and drop-in colouring. If lumps form, use sieve to strain lumps out.
6. Place pasta in baking dish and pour sauce, mixing evenly.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on-top.
8. Mix colour into butter.  Add Panko, Paprika and Parmesan.
9. Top pasta with crust mixture and bake 30 minutes till crust is golden.
10. Allow to cool 30 minutes before serving. Serve with Sriracha or Ketchup.

Gallery:

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A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 8, 2020 at 10:35am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)