A new European-inspired café is brewing in the heart of downtown Sacramento.
Crème Coffee is taking over the former site of Le Macaron French Pastries at 1011 Seventh St, according to the business’s Instagram page. “She’s looking good from the outside ✨,” the team shared in a recent post. “Now we’re getting the inside ready for you. Sacramento’s newest coffee shop! Crème Coffee is coming ☕️🤍”
Behind the concept is mother-daughter duo Inga and Gina Arakelyan, Sacramento locals with Armenian roots who have been dreaming of opening a café together for the past two years. The pair originally searched for spaces in Rancho Cordova before landing on what they describe as the perfect historic building downtown, according to the Sacramento Business Journal.
Inga is the owner and photographer behind Rancho Cordova-based VWP Video & Photo, which she plans to continue operating alongside the café. Gina brings a design-forward perspective to the project, holding a degree in environmental design and having previously worked at several local coffee shops around Sacramento. Together, they’ve been hands-on with everything from finalizing the menu to shaping the café’s layout.
Inspired by Parisian café culture, the name Crème Coffee nods both to the café’s bright white exterior and branding, as well as the French phrase crème de la crème—meaning “the best of the best.” The café will focus on thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks and brewed coffee, as well as matcha drinks and tea.
A small selection of simple, light bites such as avocado toast, salads, and locally baked pastries will also be available. “The menu is intentionally minimal, with an emphasis on quality and presentation,” Inga told What Now Sacramento.
Inside, the café will be divided into three distinct zones. Bathed in natural light and designed with “subtle European inspiration and a calm, elevated ambiance,” the front area is envisioned as a welcoming space for content creators. The middle section functions as the primary café space, while the back features a partially separated area anchored by a round table that can seat up to 10 guests.
The Crème Coffee team is expected to announce an official opening date in mid- to late-January 2026. The timeline has been partially impacted by a delay in receiving the café’s coffee maker, which is currently being powder-coated to match the décor. “We are so excited to show you everything we’ve been working on and to serve our community,” said Gina in a recent video update. “We cannot wait. See you soon.”
