Former Office Workers Turn Beijing Warehouse Into Coffee, Furniture & Guesthouse Haven

Most people daydream about leaving the office to do something more meaningful—but few actually walk out the door. For two former office workers in Beijing, that dream didn’t stay theoretical. They quit their corporate jobs, rented a crumbling courtyard compound just outside the Fifth Ring Road in the village of Caochangdi, and set out to build a life centered around coffee, creativity, and community.

In short: they turned a derelict warehouse into a working coffee shop, a curated vintage furniture store, a clothing studio, and several art-filled guesthouses—all without a clear business plan, but with a shared vision of a life that felt authentic. And it worked.

The Birth of A+ Cafe: More Than Just a Coffee Shop

Years ago, while still in the corporate world, the couple—known as (Ziyue) and Joseph—shared a vision: a bright space filled with music, coffee aroma, and work they loved. That vision became A+ Cafe. The name isn’t about perfection; it’s about aiming high. “All subjects being 100 is unrealistic,” Ziyue explains. “But an average above 97? That’s our goal.”

Located in an industrial pocket outside central Beijing, the original space was a wreck. But that was the point. “We wanted a blank canvas,” Ziyue says. “Something we could transform entirely.” What emerged was a hybrid of warehouse, cafe, and living space—a place where every detail reflected their personal tastes and shared values.

Design Meets Function: Joseph’s Industrial Aesthetic Vision

Joseph, the spatial half of the duo, tackled the aesthetic transformation. He studied design intensely, learning as he went, and oversaw every element of the build—paint mixing, custom shelving, and even choosing the perfect shade for each wall. He worked side-by-side with laborers, ensuring the final details matched the vision in his head.

The space marries raw industrial elements with pops of color and comfort. Key to softening the typically heavy feel of factory-style design were colorful Tolix chairs, imported from France. “Industrial spaces can feel cold,” Joseph notes. “The Tolix chairs add personality and warmth without compromising the rugged feel.”

Other carefully selected industrial artifacts include an old director’s lamp from Taiwan, salvaged factory lights from France, and even a repurposed explosion-proof lamp from a Taiwanese shipyard. Every piece contributes to the layered texture of the room. “The lighting changes through the day,” Ziyue recalls. “In the mornings, sunlight moves slowly across the floor. It’s quiet. Peaceful. That’s when I feel it—the life we built.”

Coffee First: From Barista Novice to Roast-Level Precision

Ziyue came from a completely non-coffee background but immersed herself fully in the craft. She trained formally to become a barista, studied roasting, and eventually got involved in every stage of the coffee process—from green bean selection to final extraction. Her approach was hands-on and detail-oriented. “We wanted every cup to be memorable,” she says. “Not just drinkable, but something you’d want to talk about.”

The cafe serves a rotating selection of coffees, brewed both via pour-over and espresso methods. Though the article doesn’t list specific beans, the care taken in brewing reflects a deep respect for origin character, clarity, and balance. Every cup is treated as part of the customer experience—not just a transaction.

The Furniture Store & Clothing Studio: Personal Pastimes Become Public Offerings

Leftover space in the warehouse wasn’t wasted. The couple added a small vintage furniture store, filled with Joseph’s carefully curated finds from Europe—French school chairs, apartment mailboxes, theater seating, and old director’s lamps. Many of these pieces aren’t just for display; they’re used daily by guests and customers.

They also opened a small clothing studio, a nod to Ziyue’s earlier years running an online fashion shop. “It’s an extension of who we were,” she says. “These aren’t separate businesses. They’re all pieces of our lives, brought together under one roof.”

The Guesthouses: Art-Inspired Stays Just Steps Away

More recently, the pair converted several unused rooms into art-forward guesthouses. Furnished with the same antique pieces used throughout the cafe and furniture store, the accommodations are affordable and atmospheric. “We wanted guests to feel like they’re staying in a living gallery,” Joseph says. “Every piece has a story.”

The guesthouses complement the cafe experience, offering a place for visitors to linger, work, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The same attention to detail that defines the coffee and the furniture carries into the guest experience—right down to the hand-selected lighting and reclaimed wood furnishings.

Every Day Is Different: Stories Over Sales

Running a cafe wasn’t about chasing trends or competing in a crowded market. For Ziyue and Joseph, it was about observing life as it unfolded. “We don’t worry about the competition,” Ziyue says. “We focus on doing our thing well.”

Their regulars include everyone from remote workers who return to the same corner table, to travelers snapping Instagram photos of the Tolix chairs, to locals ordering the same beef noodles every day. “You see all kinds of people,” Ziyue reflects. “Some come for the coffee. Some come for the chairs. But everyone leaves with a story.”

Mornings remain her favorite time. Watching sunlight drift silently across the concrete floor, she’s reminded why they took the leap. “That moment when you walk in and smell fresh coffee… that’s the life we imagined.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the couple leave their corporate jobs to open a cafe in Beijing?

Ziyue and Joseph were disillusioned with traditional career paths and yearned for a life that combined their passions—coffee, design, and community. They quit stable office jobs to create A+ Cafe and surrounding ventures in a Beijing warehouse, seeking authenticity and creative freedom over conventional success.

What is special about the interior design of A+ Cafe?

A+ Cafe blends rugged industrial elements with vibrant colors and repurposed furniture. Key features include imported French Tolix chairs, director’s lamps, salvaged factory lights, and custom-built shelving. Joseph designed the space himself, focusing on balancing industrial grit with warmth and personality.

Does the cafe serve any specific origin coffees or use special brewing methods?

The article does not specify origin details or roasters, but the couple emphasizes quality in every cup. Ziyue, who trained as a barista, oversees brewing methods including pour-over and espresso. The focus is on craftsmanship, balance, and creating a memorable customer experience over selling particular beans.

What kind of furniture is sold in the on-site vintage store?

The vintage furniture store features Joseph’s personal collection of European industrial pieces, such as old French school chairs, mailbox stands, theater seating, and explosion-proof lamps. Many items are functional within the cafe and guesthouses, blending history with everyday use.

Are the guesthouses connected to the cafe experience?

Yes. The guesthouses are located within the same compound and furnished with the same vintage pieces found in the cafe and store. They offer affordable, artful lodging designed for extended stays, creative work, and immersion in the A+ environment.

How do the owners define success for their business?

Success is defined subjectively: achieving personal happiness, maintaining creative control, and hosting meaningful daily interactions. They aim for an “A+” average—meaning consistent quality and experience, not perfection—and focus on passion over profit.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for A+ Café Vibes

For a cafe like A+ that values origin character and clean cup profiles, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral tones ideal for pour-over. Their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers a balanced cup with sweet body and mild spice—great for espresso or milk drinks. Finally, the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 provides a smooth, low-acidity option suited to classic tastes. All three beans reflect the cafe’s commitment to craft and curated experience. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.