Popular Specialty Cafés and Their Expansion Trends

Coffee lovers walking into China’s malls today aren’t just seeing another Starbucks. Over the past few years, a wave of uniquely styled cafés—many with Korean influences or artsy, independent concepts—have taken root. These cafés aren’t just selling coffee; they’re selling an experience. But which ones are actually catching on, and why? If you’ve noticed more themed cafés opening near you, you’re not imagining things.

According to a report by Winshang, themed cafés—especially those with Korean aesthetics or niche branding—are among the most popular with consumers and shopping mall developers. Chains such as Café ZOO, Hollys Coffee, and Café Bertiz have expanded rapidly, often combining coffee with light meals. The café + casual dining model is now a clear trend in the market.

What Types of Specialty-Style Cafés Are Trending?

Winshang’s analysis highlights several café concepts that have stood out in recent years. Among the most favored are those with a strong visual or cultural identity, particularly Korean-style or “theme-driven” venues. Examples include ZOO COFFEE, known for its animal-themed décor; Hollys Coffee, a Korean chain expanding in China; and Café Bertiz, which blends European café style with localized touches. Also notable are domestic brands like (Man Coffee), (Coffee Bene), (Carving Time), (Cross-Strait Coffee), all of which emphasize ambiance alongside coffee service.

Why Are Themed and Niche Cafés Popular?

These cafés appeal to a broad demographic beyond just coffee purists. They offer carefully designed spaces geared for socializing, working, or relaxing—often with décor that sets them apart from standard coffee chains. The integration of coffee with light meals or baked goods also appeals to customers looking for a more complete outing. This combination helps cafés attract not just coffee drinkers, but also foodies, remote workers, and casual visitors. The result is a broader customer base and higher dwell time in-store.

The Café + Light Meal Model: A Growing Trend

One of the clearest trends identified is the blending of coffee service with simple food offerings. Whether it’s sandwiches, cakes, or hot meals, adding food options turns a coffee stop into a mini-meal destination. This model supports longer visits and higher average spend per customer. Chains like Hollys Coffee and ZOO COFFEE have built their concepts around this hybrid offering, successfully attracting families, students, and office workers alike. The trend aligns with consumer demand for convenience and comfort in one location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specialty-style cafés are most popular in China right now?

Themed cafés with Korean or artistic influences, such as ZOO COFFEE, Hollys Coffee, Café Bertiz, , , , and , are currently among the most popular with both consumers and shopping malls. These brands often feature distinctive décor and a café-meets-light-meal concept.

Why are theme-based cafés doing well in the market?

Theme-based and niche cafés stand out by offering more than just coffee—they provide a unique atmosphere, often with strong visual identities or cultural themes. This attracts a wider audience, including those seeking social spaces, remote work spots, or casual dining alongside their coffee.

What is the café + light meal model?

This model combines coffee service with a menu of light meals, sandwiches, desserts, or baked goods. It encourages customers to stay longer and spend more, turning a simple coffee visit into a more complete dining or lounging experience.

Are domestic coffee brands driving this trend?

Yes, several homegrown Chinese café brands like , , , and are actively contributing to the trend by emphasizing both coffee quality and ambient design, often tailored to local tastes.

Why are shopping malls interested in these themed cafés?

Shopping malls favor themed and niche cafés because they draw diverse crowds, enhance the mall’s atmosphere, and encourage longer visits. Their distinct branding also helps differentiate mall offerings from standard retail or food court experiences.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Themed Cafés

For cafés aiming to stand out with both coffee and ambiance, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—ideal for pour-over focused menus. Their PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and sweet spice, perfect for espresso-based drinks or milk coffees. Finally, the Yirgacheffe delivers vibrant berry and lemon zest tones, great for filter offerings. These beans cater to a range of customer preferences while keeping quality high. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.