Pinup Coffee Co.

Pinup Coffee Co. was established in 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, by founder Stephanie Wein. The company’s identity is deeply rooted in the founder's background as a Navy veteran, with its name and branding inspired by the aesthetic of WWII-era aircraft pin-up art. This thematic connection extends to the company's product line, where signature blends often feature names derived from historical aircraft art, serving as a tribute to the founder's six years of service as a Navy helicopter crewman.

The business began as a solo venture, with Wein managing all aspects of operations—including green coffee procurement, roasting, and marketing—while still on active duty. The company’s early growth was marked by a presence at local farmers markets, such as the East Beach Farmers Market in Hampton Roads, which allowed the brand to build a local following before establishing a dedicated roastery at 544 Central Drive in Virginia Beach.

Pinup Coffee Co. operates as a specialty coffee roaster, emphasizing small-batch production to maintain quality control. The company employs roasters trained by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), reflecting a commitment to industry-standard practices. Their sourcing philosophy centers on building relationships with producers who prioritize quality and transparency, with the goal of making high-quality coffee accessible rather than exclusive.

In addition to its roasting operations, the company has expanded into retail, operating cafes such as the Farmhouse and a location at Sherwood Lakes. These spaces are designed to foster community connection, aligning with the company's mission to bring people together through coffee. The brand also emphasizes sustainability, utilizing fully recyclable packaging and partnering with local services like Tidewater Compost to manage coffee chaff and spent grounds.

Beyond its local footprint, the company has engaged with the broader coffee industry, including participation in initiatives like the NKG Bloom program. The business is a partnership, with the founder's husband, Bryce Wein, also a former Navy crewman, joining the operation. This collaborative effort has helped the company transition from a small-scale market vendor to an established local roaster.

The company’s approach to the market is defined by a rejection of mass-produced, impersonal coffee in favor of craft-focused production. By analyzing and testing each lot, the roastery aims to highlight the unique characteristics of the origin, whether it is a single-origin offering or a carefully constructed blend. This focus on the 'craft' of coffee is intended to bridge the gap between the farmer and the final consumer.

Today, Pinup Coffee Co. continues to operate as a veteran-owned business that balances its historical inspirations with modern specialty coffee standards. Its trajectory from a small roaster at local markets to a multi-location operation reflects a sustained focus on community engagement, veteran entrepreneurship, and the promotion of specialty coffee culture in the Virginia Beach area.