How a Grad Student Built a Coffee and Bar Business in Taiyuan

Thinking about starting your own business but unsure what would actually work in today’s market? One recent graduate from Chengdu—drawn to the city’s slow pace and strong coffee and drinking culture—saw a gap in his hometown of Taiyuan. He noticed a real demand for relaxed social spaces, especially among young professionals looking for something quieter than a bar but more engaging than a regular café. That insight became the foundation of a smart, hybrid business idea.

Quick answer: A former student launched a combined coffee shop and bar in Taiyuan, serving both coffee and casual drinks like Long Island Iced Tea and flavoured vodka. Within a month, the business hit daily revenues of 500–1000 yuan, with equal sales from coffee and alcohol, proving the hybrid model works.

Why a Coffee Shop and Bar Hybrid?

After studying in Chengdu, where he experienced the city’s famed laid-back lifestyle and booming café scene, Lyu Long returned to Taiyuan. He sensed an opportunity. Most young locals wanted a place to hang out after work, but there weren’t many relaxing yet social spots. Online research showed many young people enjoyed casual alcoholic drinks but avoided noisy bars. That’s when he decided to merge the calm of a coffeehouse with the energy of a bar—creating what he called ‘a café with a bar inside.’

How He Built the Business from Scratch

Lyu spent four months preparing. He studied coffee and drink preparation techniques, designed the space down to the air conditioner placement, and hand-painted walls and built custom light fixtures. He wanted the café’s style to be unique enough that customers would come for the atmosphere as much as the drinks. ‘People consume the environment,’ he said. ‘The style must be distinct to create a relaxing and memorable experience.’

What Actually Worked: Coffee, Drinks, and Customer Types

When the café—named ‘Little Coffee Shop’—opened, it quickly found its rhythm. Daily revenue settled at around 500–600 yuan on weekdays and over 1000 yuan on weekends. Women tended to buy coffee, while men preferred drinks like Long Island Iced Tea and flavoured vodka. Sales from both categories ended up roughly even. Market testing confirmed that combining coffee and casual bar offerings appealed to different customer needs—and worked financially.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of business did Lyu Long open in Taiyuan?

Lyu Long opened a hybrid venue called ‘Little Coffee Shop’ that serves both coffee and casual alcoholic drinks like Long Island Iced Tea and flavoured vodka. It combines a relaxed coffeehouse environment with the energy of a small bar.

How much did the business earn in its first month?

The café earned around 500–600 yuan per day on weekdays and over 1000 yuan on weekends. Within a month, both coffee and alcohol sales were nearly equal, confirming the viability of the mixed offering.

Who were the main customers and what did they buy?

Female customers mainly purchased coffee, while male customers leaned toward casual drinks such as Long Island Iced Tea and flavoured vodka. The product mix reflected different patron preferences within the same space.

What was the concept behind combining coffee and a bar?

Lyu wanted to offer a calm, social space for young professionals to relax after work. He noticed a lack of venues that were quieter than a bar but more interactive than a typical café, so he merged the two concepts.

How long did it take to prepare the café before opening?

Lyu spent four months preparing the space, learning to make coffee and drinks, and designing and decorating the interior, including custom features like wall art and lighting, all done himself.

What was Lyu Long’s long-term goal for the café?

Beyond profit, he aimed to build a loyal customer base where people could find their own way to unwind—whether chatting with friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life.

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