Four Graduates Run Specialty Coffee Shop With a Resident Cat Manager

In July 2013, four young professionals walked away from their previous careers—not to chase a trend, but to build something together. What began as a partnership quickly evolved into 1 Coffee, a small but carefully crafted specialty coffee shop in an unassuming old residential building in Guangzhou. The space, hidden on the first floor, feels more like a tiny gallery than a traditional café.

Today, three of the original four still run the shop: Xiaokai, Meow Meow, and Waiwai. Together, they’ve built a space where every stool, table, and decoration tells a story—and where a beloved stray cat serves as the unofficial shop manager.

A Co-Founded Space Rooted in Friendship and Shared Vision

The idea for 1 Coffee took shape when Xiaokai, Waiwai, Yishan, and Meow Meow—four college-educated friends—left their former jobs and decided to start a business together. Though Yishan has since stepped back from daily operations, the remaining trio have kept the project alive. Xiaokai, an 80s-born legal professional from Shenzhen, had long nurtured a coffee dream alongside her law career and passion for travel. Waiwai, also from the 80s and originally from Anhui, studied law and worked in a Shenzhen law firm before switching to a major coffee chain in 2012 to gain hands-on barista and management experience. Meow Meow, another 80s Shenzhen native, worked in a state-owned enterprise after studying design, then transitioned into freelance graphic design—all while bringing her love of handcraft into the café through her own clay and textile art.

A Rotating Menu and Art-Filled Interior

The interior of 1 Coffee is a collection of personally selected furniture, decor, and handmade pieces. Many items come with stories, including clay artworks made by Meow Meow herself. The café’s aesthetic leans artistic rather than commercial, making it feel like a hidden cultural gem rather than just another coffee spot.

On the coffee menu, variety is key. Every month, the single origin offerings rotate, featuring beans sourced from across Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. The team serves a range of roast levels, ensuring options for different taste preferences. The rotating selection often includes coffees from Colombia, Ethiopia, and beyond. Customers—especially regulars—sometimes bring their own beans to share, a gesture the team deeply appreciates.

"We’re proud of the food we’ve developed together," said one of the partners. The menu is entirely self-developed by the women, complementing the evolving coffee offerings.

A Community Space With a Feline Mascot

Though not officially a 'cat café,' a resident stray cat holds an honorary position as the shop’s manager. The café’s vintage-style telephone often rings with inquiries from new customers looking for directions. The team has developed a set of helpful phrases and frequently go out to personally guide visitors. The café has become a community hub, celebrating its second birthday with both new and returning guests present.

Every day brings a mix of regulars, curious newcomers, and friends dropping by to chat or share coffee beans. On one notable occasion, a loyal customer even stepped outside to trim Waiwai’s bangs in the shade of the nearby trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the founders of 1 Coffee?

1 Coffee was founded in July 2013 by four friends: Xiaokai, Waiwai, Yishan, and Meow Meow. Currently, Xiaokai, Waiwai, and Meow Meow run the shop together. They met through their original partnership and have kept the project going since.

What kind of coffee does 1 Coffee serve?

1 Coffee serves rotating single origin coffees from countries including Colombia, Ethiopia, and others across Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. The menu changes monthly and features a range of roast levels. The team is known for curating diverse, high-quality offerings.

Does 1 Coffee have a cat?

Yes, a stray cat is the café’s unofficial mascot and is affectionately referred to as the “shop manager.” Though not a trained service animal, the cat is a beloved presence in the café and part of its community identity.

What is the interior of 1 Coffee like?

The interior resembles a small art gallery more than a typical coffee shop. Every piece of furniture, decor, and artwork—including clay sculptures made by Meow Meow—was chosen by the owners. Many items have personal stories, contributing to the café’s unique, intimate atmosphere.

Where is 1 Coffee located?

1 Coffee is located on the first floor of an old residential building in Guangzhou. The exact address isn’t prominently advertised, but the team is used to receiving calls and often meets customers outside to guide them in.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Single Origin Rotation

For a rotating single origin menu like 1 Coffee’s, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for vibrant tropical fruit and sweet juice-like notes; PWN Golden Mandheling for deep, smooth body with herbal and chocolate tones; and Brazil Queen Manor for balanced nutty and caramel flavors. These beans cover a range of profiles to engage different palates. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.