83 Strangers Crowdfund Wuhan Coffee Shop, Plan Expansion

In a city like Wuhan, where rent and operational costs add up fast, opening a café on your own is a daunting task. But what if you didn’t have to go it alone? What if eighty-three people each chipped in just enough to make a shared dream possible?

Eighty-three strangers each invested 2,000 RMB (about $280) to collectively raise 250,000 RMB and open Many People Coffee in Wuhan’s Guanggu district. One month into soft opening, the group has already registered a company—Wuhan Many People Culture—and plans to open a branch in Hankou.

A Café Built by 83 Unknowns

The Many People Coffee shop is tucked inside a converted board game venue at Room 1002, Building 6, Jiandong Intelligent Garden, Guanggu Plaza. The space features wooden furniture, ambient lighting, vintage decor like an old wall clock, and a large projector. With a menu offering coffee (from 10 to 30 RMB), tea, cocktails, and muffins, the café is designed for comfort and creativity.

The signage is modest, hand-assembled from small characters, and the entire interior was decorated and furnished by the shareholders themselves. Much of the equipment and furnishings were donated by the partners. “We found this spot after scouting locations all over Wuhan,” said one organizer. “It was formerly a board game café for sublet and met all our criteria.”

From Online Post to Real-World Café

The idea originated on Douban, China’s social platform for book lovers and creatives. A Wuhan woman known online as ‘Mi Ge’—who is currently in recovery from illness in Zhongshan, Guangdong—suggested, “Let’s open a café with just 2,000 RMB each.” Though she initiated the idea, Mi Ge wasn’t heavily involved in the physical setup due to her health.

Over 100 people initially expressed interest, but through meetings and planning sessions, the group winnowed down to 83 committed shareholders representing diverse professional backgrounds. “The 83 who stayed are grounded, sincere, and optimistic,” said Yu Xiaoxiao, the team’s social media manager. “They made this dream happen step by step.”

The group held weekly meetings to finalize decisions, voting by a show of hands for major issues. They developed articles of incorporation, assigned roles, and set a soft opening date of November 18.

Community-First Operations and Future Plans

Running the café isn’t just about selling drinks. “If it snows during our Christmas movie week, all coffee is free,” said Cafe Manager A Chao, a certified barista behind many guest-favorite drinks. The café hosts regular events—film screenings, music nights, and themed meetups—to build community. It employs just one full-time staffer, with other roles filled by shareholders or temporary “One Day Baristas” hired via social media.

When asked about profitability, shareholder Xiao Yi said, “Making money is a goal, but not the only one. Most joined to meet interesting people and pursue a shared dream.” The group plans to host salons, film nights, and a coffee academy to drive traffic. There’s strong interest in opening a second location in Hankou.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did each person invest to start Many People Coffee?

Each of the 83 shareholders invested 2,000 RMB, contributing to a total of 250,000 RMB used to open the café in Guanggu, Wuhan.

Where is Many People Coffee located?

The café is located at Room 1002, Building 6, Jiandong Intelligent Garden, near Guanggu Plaza in Wuhan. It occupies the former site of a board game bar that was available for sublet.

What is the concept behind Many People Coffee?

Many People Coffee is a community-funded café launched by 83 strangers who shared a vision of creating a collaborative space. It focuses on connection, creativity, and inclusion, hosting regular themed events alongside coffee service.

How is the café staffed?

The shop employs one full-time employee. The rest of the work is handled by shareholders or short-term “one day baristas” recruited through Weibo and other social platforms.

Do they serve food besides coffee?

Yes, the menu includes coffee (priced from 10 to 30 RMB), tea, cocktails, and baked goods such as muffins.

Are they planning to open more locations?

Yes, the group is actively planning a second branch in Hankou and welcomes more people to join their venture.

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