Sweet July Cafe’s arrival at the reimagined Regent Santa Monica marks a significant milestone in Ayesha Curry‘s culinary journey. The second location of her successful cafe brand brings an innovative fusion of Jamaican heritage and California’s fresh cuisine to the beachside community. Housed within the $150 million renovated Regent Santa Monica, the cafe represents a perfect blend of luxury hospitality and authentic cultural dining experience. The hotel’s transformation into IHG’s flagship property, featuring 143 guest rooms and 24 suites, provides an elegant backdrop for Curry’s latest venture.
From digital roots to restaurant empire
Curry‘s evolution from YouTube cooking demonstrator to celebrated restaurateur exemplifies modern culinary entrepreneurship. Since her 2014 debut, she has achieved remarkable success, including becoming a New York Times bestselling author and partnering with chef Michael Mina for International Smoke, which earned a prestigious Michelin Plate recognition. This latest venture allows Curry to showcase her Jamaican heritage while embracing California’s culinary traditions, creating a unique dining destination that bridges cultures and flavors.
Innovative menu highlights
Sweet July Cafe distinguishes itself through a carefully crafted menu that celebrates Caribbean flavors while incorporating local California ingredients. The signature Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich with Mango-Cabbage Slaw demonstrates this fusion approach, while the sundae menu featuring Island Rum Coffee Caramel adds a luxurious touch to traditional desserts. The cafe’s commitment to sourcing from local providers like Weiser Family Farms and Tutti Frutti ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish. Breakfast offerings, including the house-special Sweet July coffee and Breakfast Sando, cater to both early risers and casual diners.
Beyond dining excellence
The cafe extends its experience through a thoughtfully curated retail space featuring Sweet July products, from handcrafted ceramics to the signature House Blend Coffee. The complete Sweet July Skincare line availability adds another dimension to the brand’s lifestyle offering. Future expansions include the launch of Sweet July Books, beginning with Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias, demonstrating Curry’s vision for creating a comprehensive lifestyle brand that goes beyond traditional dining boundaries.
Community impact and accessibility
Sweet July Cafe positions itself as more than a dining establishment; it represents a cultural hub that celebrates diversity through food and community. The beachside location’s grab-and-go options cater to the active Santa Monica lifestyle, while the full-service dining experience provides a sophisticated option for those seeking to explore Caribbean flavors in an upscale setting. The cafe’s integration with the Regent Santa Monica‘s booking systems through their website and the IHG One Rewards app ensures seamless accessibility for both locals and visitors.
