A Cup That Says New York City
If you’ve ever walked the streets of New York with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, chances are it’s a New York iconic blue coffee cup that proudly read:
“We Are Happy to Serve You.” I drink out of my ceramic one every day, and it’s just a cool cup.
This simple, cheerful cup has become a cultural icon of NYC, symbolizing everything from Greek-American hospitality to the gritty energy of a morning in Manhattan. But where did it come from? And why has it endured?
Let’s take a closer look at the history of the blue coffee cup that helped fuel New York City.
The Birth of an Icon: Designed in 1963
The blue cup’s origin dates back to 1963, when Leslie Buck, a Holocaust survivor and marketing director at the Sherri Cup Company, sought to create a paper cup that would appeal to New York’s thousands of Greek-owned diners and delis.
He designed the cup using traditional Greek elements:
- Greek amphoras (vases) on each side
- A bold, blue-and-white color scheme, echoing the Greek flag
- A friendly, service-forward slogan: “We Are Happy to Serve You”
Buck never earned royalties for the design—but he gave New York a lasting legacy.
Coffee, Culture, and Deli Counters
Throughout the 1970s to early 2000s, the cup was everywhere in NYC:
- Street carts
- Corner bodegas
- Luncheonettes
- Greek diners across the five boroughs
More than just a paper vessel, the cup captured the spirit of New York’s working-class hustle. It was fast, affordable, and comforting—a daily ritual in your hand.
Final Thoughts
So next time you grab a coffee in New York, keep an eye out for that little blue cup. My favorite gift shop sin the city are at The Met and the New York Public Library gift shops. It might be paper, it might be ceramic, but it’s always 100% New York.
Happy travels
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Brett Williams
Brett Williams is the founder of Ylore Travel, a platform dedicated to making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide. With experience exploring over 50 countries and living in four, Brett’s passion for discovering new places and immersing himself in diverse cultures inspired the creation of Ylore Travel. Based in New York, he continues to seek out unique experiences and empower others to explore the world at their own pace.