Bank Branch Brews Specialty Coffee in First China Cafe-Within-a-Bank

In China’s fast-evolving coffee scene, a new hybrid space has emerged—not a pop-up, not a food hall, but a full-service specialty coffee shop tucked inside a bank branch. For coffee drinkers looking for a better way to kill time while waiting for financial services, or for those who want a calm spot to conduct business, this new model offers both comfort and caffeine. But how does a café function inside a financial institution? The answer lies in a first-of-its-kind partnership in Guiyang.

The answer is simple but clever: Cat Poop Coffee (a leading Chinese specialty brand) has opened its fifth shop—and its first ever inside a bank—in Guiyang’s Park Road, partnering with China CITIC Bank. Launched December 24, the 40–50 square metre café sits within the bank lobby, blending seamlessly yet distinctly with the financial services area. It’s the first such café-bank mashup in the city.

What’s Different About This Bank Café?

This isn’t your average grab-and-go kiosk. The Cat Poop Coffee x CITIC Bank location is designed as a proper boutique coffee experience. Soft lighting, lemon-yellow feature walls, wooden shelves stacked with books published by CITIC Press, and brown leather seating create a refined, relaxing atmosphere. The space is infused with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Customers can sip drinks, read, or wait comfortably while conducting banking errands.

How Does the Shared Space Work?

The café and bank share a lobby but remain functionally distinct. The coffee shop is situated between the bank’s self-service area on one side and teller counters on the other, separated by a gate. During regular banking hours (9am–5pm), customers can move freely between the two zones. Those waiting for services can order coffee or tea, grab a CITIC-published book, and relax on the plush seating. For private meetings or business discussions, the quiet café offers an ideal alternative to stuffy offices—without leaving the secure bank environment. After hours, the café stays open independently until 11pm, serving the broader public.

What Coffee and Experience Does It Offer?

Beyond standard espresso drinks and teas, the café features a dedicated pour-over bar. Patrons can select single-origin beans sourced directly from farms and watch baristas craft their coffee right in front of them. This hands-on pour-over station encourages interaction—a chance to discuss brewing methods, origins, and flavour profiles directly with skilled staff. The setup transforms a routine coffee purchase into an engaging sensory experience, enhancing customer connection and dwell time.

"Our goal is to explore more innovative business models," said Wang Qiang, Guizhou regional manager for Cat Poop Coffee. "This collaboration allows us to deliver a higher level of service and create a unique fusion of finance and coffee culture."

About Cat Poop Coffee in Guizhou

Cat Poop Coffee entered the Guizhou market in 2012 and has since established a strong presence despite stiff local competition. In addition to its new bank location, the brand operates outlets in major shopping centres across Guiyang, including Hunter City Plaza, Huaguoyuan Shopping Centre, Haina Plaza in Guiyang Economic Development Zone, and Xingli Yinhai Yuanlong Plaza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the first bank café operated by Cat Poop Coffee located?

The first Cat Poop Coffee location inside a bank is in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, inside the lobby of China CITIC Bank on Park Road. The café officially opened on December 24.

What makes this café different from other coffee shops?

This café is uniquely integrated within a functioning bank branch. It shares the same lobby but is separated by a gate. During banking hours, it serves waiting customers; after hours, it operates independently as a regular café until 11pm. The atmosphere is designed for comfort, with bookshelves, soft seating, and a dedicated pour-over bar.

Does the café offer specialty brewing methods?

Yes, the café includes a pour-over station where customers can choose single-origin beans and watch their coffee being brewed by a barista. This adds an interactive, educational element to the coffee-buying experience.

What is the concept behind a café inside a bank?

The concept blends financial services with a premium coffee experience. It enhances customer comfort while waiting, provides a quiet space for business discussions, and introduces banking clients to high-quality specialty coffee in a relaxed environment.

How late is the Cat Poop Coffee café open?

During regular banking hours, the café is accessible to bank customers. After the bank closes, the café remains open independently until 11pm for walk-in customers.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Café and Pour-Over

For fans of the pour-over experience offered at Cat Poop Coffee’s bank branch, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—bright and complex with notes of blueberry and jasmine—or Yirgacheffe, which highlights citrus, floral tones, and a silky mouthfeel. Both are ideal single-origin beans for showcasing the craft of manual brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.