Buddies x La Cantine

El Pastel Imposible: "The Impossible Cake"

The Coquito Latte Choco Flan will only be available on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, to celebrate National Puerto Rican Day!

A collaboration that redefines dining culture through branding and storytelling. Buddies x La Cantine brings together two small businesses to create the Coquito Latte Choco Flan - blending nostalgia with innovation in NYC’s food scene. Rachel Nieves and husband Taylor Nawrocki started Buddies as a pandemic coffee cart and grew it into a viral success, with their Coquito Latte making waves again. La Cantine, opened by French native Ioana Hercberg and chef Raymond Lyons, introduces a comforting cantine concept to Bushwick, filling the gap for daytime dining in an area dominated by nightlife.

The Challenge

How do you create a restaurant experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh while celebrating the strength and creativity of small businesses?

Like the "Impossible Cake"—a dessert that magically separates into layers while baking—this collaboration aimed to merge distinct identities into a single, harmonious experience. Inspired by a heartfelt moment from the owner of Buddies, who shared the emotional reality of keeping a small business afloat in NYC, this project asked: what if small businesses worked together rather than struggling alone?

The Strategy

This collaboration was inspired by the owner of Buddies, who shared the emotional reality of keeping a small business afloat in NYC. What if small businesses joined forces to create something new, memorable, and mutually beneficial? We focused on playful yet sophisticated visuals, integrating immersive design elements that reflect the heart of both brands.

Brand Identity

Developing a strong visual language that balances elegance and fun, staying true to each brand’s unique personality while harmonizing their shared vision.

Final Outcome

"El Impossible" became more than just a dessert—it symbolized the strength of small businesses collaborating to create something unforgettable. A Coquito Latte Choco Flan collaboration between Buddies and La Cantine, celebrating creativity, community, and the joy of blending traditions. Success means a pitch that inspires—and maybe even a real-life collab.