Bethenny Frankel's new pop-up cafe in the Hamptons garners mixed reactions as it reopens discussions on diet culture and marketing's impact on mental health.
Washington DC, United States Aug 18, 2026 ALN: Reality TV star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has returned to the food and beverage space with a new pop-up cafe in the Hamptons. But despite long lines wrapping around the corner, the new business venture seems to be getting mostly a lukewarm welcome.
The East Quogue cafe, which opened up on August 13, stands out for its pink interiors and branded merchandise featuring the phrase "supermodel." This aesthetic choice aligns with Frankel's branding strategy, which often emphasizes a fun and aspirational lifestyle. The cafe also boasts a Bethenny-themed menu and is adorned with numerous flowers, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons.
In addition to the drink menu, which includes popular flavors like cookie butter and pistachio coconut, the cafe's main appeal lies in its food offerings. It features items derived from Frankel’s own viral recipes, which often take traditional dishes and transform them into lower-calorie alternatives. This approach reflects a broader trend in the food industry that caters to health-conscious consumers looking for guilt-free indulgence.
Menu items include sandwiches named “The Bethenny” and “The Nepo Baby,” as well as cottage cheese bagels topped with high-protein spreads like cacio e pepe, caviar, and Frankel’s popular chicken salad. This innovative twist on classic dishes aims to attract a demographic that values both taste and nutritional content.
As visitors flocked to the pop-up over the weekend, mixed reviews began circulating online regarding the quality and taste of the cafe’s products. While many patrons shared their positive experiences, such as content creator Greta Louise who expressed her delight with the bagel, stating, "I’m really impressed by the bagel. I’m obsessed; this is the type of thing I would eat for lunch every day," others were not as enthusiastic.
Some reviews reflected dissatisfaction with the food, with one user candidly stating, "It’s just okay. I’m going to be brutally honest; I don’t like it. I’m not even gonna finish it." Another patron remarked, "I don’t know what I was expecting, but I’m completely underwhelmed." These contrasting opinions highlight the subjective nature of food experiences and the challenges of meeting diverse consumer expectations.
Despite the mixed feedback, Frankel appears to be open to constructive criticism. In response to a review expressing disappointment, she acknowledged the feedback, stating, "thank you for the honest review! We are making adjustments to the menu every day." This willingness to adapt suggests a commitment to improving the customer experience and refining the offerings based on consumer preferences.
In a broader context, Frankel has also commented on the inherent challenges of creating healthier recipes, acknowledging that they often do not taste as good as their traditional counterparts. She defended her current recipe by stating, "I mean, I can tell you it is not the best chicken I’ve ever tasted. It is the best better-for-you, healthy, low-calorie chicken salad I’ve ever tasted." This statement reflects the ongoing tension in the culinary world between health and taste, a dilemma faced by many chefs and food entrepreneurs.
The Supermodel Cafe opens at a time when discussions surrounding diet culture and body image are more prominent than ever. The recent popularity of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s has reignited debates about the societal pressures surrounding body image and the impact of marketing on mental health. As consumers become increasingly aware of the implications of diet culture, businesses that promote lower-calorie or "healthier" alternatives are scrutinized for their messaging and potential effects on individuals.
Lower-calorie versions of popular snacks have long been a hallmark of Frankel’s brand, particularly during her rise to fame as the founder of the Skinnygirl brand in the late 2000s. The brand gained traction in part due to Frankel’s visibility as a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York. Skinnygirl products, such as the low-calorie premade margarita mix, became household names in the 2010s, culminating in Frankel selling the brand for a reported $100 million in 2011. This financial success has allowed her to continue exploring new ventures in the food and beverage industry.
However, Frankel's marketing strategies have faced criticism for potentially perpetuating harmful ideals around body image and eating habits. Experts from organizations like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders have identified diet culture as a contributing factor to the development of eating disorders. The language used in marketing products, particularly the term "skinny," has been scrutinized for its potential to trigger negative body image issues among consumers.
While Frankel’s new venture does not incorporate the word "skinny" in its name, it does evoke similar themes associated with diet culture, representing a sort of evolution of her brand for contemporary audiences. Frankel herself has commented on this shift, stating, "It’s a better term. Supermodel’s a better term than Skinny Girl. Supermodel has a tongue-in-cheek wit to it, a fun to it, a flirt to it. You’re in on the joke." This rebranding effort suggests an attempt to engage with consumers in a more playful and less serious manner, while still addressing the health-conscious market.
The implications of Frankel's Supermodel Cafe extend beyond just food and drink; they touch on larger societal issues regarding body image, health, and the marketing of diet culture. As the conversation around these topics continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how Frankel and her brand navigate the complex landscape of consumer expectations and societal norms.
We’ve reached out to Frankel’s team for comment, hoping to gain further insight into her vision for the Supermodel Cafe and how she plans to address the feedback received from patrons.
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