Utah-based Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican is extending its craft beverage lineup beyond the cup with a limited-edition lip balm collection from Idaho-based beauty brand Poppy & Pout. The collection, which debuted October 13, includes flavors tied to a Café Rio signature drink: Mucho Mint (Mint Limeade), Lotta Horchata (the scratch-made Horchata), and Berry Bueno (the newly launched Blueberry Mojito Mocktail). The balms are available at select Utah and Idaho locations while supplies last, and online through Poppy & Pout.
The pricing is built to encourage add-ons: $9.95 per balm, or $26.95 for a build-your-own bundle of three.
CEO Mike Burns said the partnership fits a brand “famous for big flavors and surprising guests.” Poppy & Pout brings credibility and reach of its own, with cruelty-free, clean-ingredient products sold at Ulta Beauty, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
The takeaway for independent owners and chefs: A well-thought-our co-brand can extend a signature flavor into a new category, introduce your brand to a new audience, and turn menu favorites into shareable, social-ready moments.