Café
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Starbucks vs McDonald's: Who’s Winning the Coffee Battle?
McDonald's is adding coffee drinks and stores in Asia while Starbucks closes underperforming US locations. Here's who's gaining ground.
How Japan’s McDonald’s Boosted Profits with Regional Pricing
Learn how Japan’s McDonald’s increased revenue by 100 billion yen using location-based pricing—raising prices in Tokyo, lowering them in rural towns.
How to Run a Successful Hybrid Coffee Shop
Learn how to combine a coffee shop with another business type, balance space and staffing, and reduce risk through smart hybrid retail concepts.
How KFC Localized Marketing Beat McDonald's in China
KFC opened China’s 1,200th store in 2004, surpassing McDonald’s 604. Its success came from deep localization, health repositioning, and smart branding.
How Chinese Shoe Brands Are Reinventing Retail Like Walmart and KFC
Learn how Chinese shoemakers like Aokang are adopting hybrid retail models—like 'Walmart plus KFC'—to fight price wars and boost profitability in a tough market.
7 Pro Tips for Buying Food at McDonald’s and KFC
Get the freshest fries, burgers, and drinks at McDonald’s and KFC with these seven insider tips every fast-food customer should know.
Why High-Profit Coffee Isn't Always Lucrative in China
Despite claims of 88x profit margins, running a specialty coffee business like Japan-linked FrontStreet affiliate is tough. Here’s why.
How to Succeed in Specialty Coffee Shop Ownership
Explore 8 key advantages—brand, tech, resources, service, market, scale, risk, and image—that make specialty coffee shop ventures more viable.
Essential Coffee Shop Equipment Checklist
Find out the standard equipment needed to run a professional coffee shop, including machines, grinders, and tools for consistent results.
How KFC Picks Coffee Shop Locations in Two Steps
Learn how KFC uses data scoring and foot traffic analysis to choose the best coffee shop locations—key insights for specialty café owners.
How to Successfully Open and Run a Coffee Shop
Only 20% of cafes in Taiwan last over five years. Here’s how to beat the odds with clear planning, self-assessment, and realistic expectations.
How to Avoid Common Risks When Opening a Coffee Shop
Avoid costly mistakes by focusing on location, interior design, service, menu diversity, and consistent branding when launching your specialty coffee shop.
Do You Need a Business License to Open a Coffee Shop?
Yes, opening a coffee shop legally requires a business license and several permits. Here’s what steps and costs you’ll face in China.
How a Transparent Coffee Shop Opened in Xiamen for $60,000
A Taiwanese couple opened a 'transparent' specialty coffee shop in Xiamen for around $60,000. Here’s how they did it, what risks they faced, and how long it takes to break even.
How to Open a Successful Coffee Shop Chain in China
A detailed business plan for launching a branded coffee shop in a prime urban location, including market analysis, investment goals, and operational strategy.
How Coffee Shop Design Evolved Into Today’s Eclectic Styles
Explore how coffeehouse design has transformed from 17th-century traditions into today’s eclectic, multi-functional spaces favored by modern baristas and patrons.
How Nestlé Manages HR for Specialty Coffee Shops
Learn how Nestlé’s HR strategy—recruitment, training, and career growth—helps sustain its global coffee business and informs café management.
How to Start a Coffee Shop: Essential Pre-Launch Planning
Learn the 7 key steps to prepare for opening a specialty coffee shop, from customer targeting to financial planning.
How to Design a Specialty Coffee Shop Space That Sells
Learn how lighting, layout, display, and branding shape customer behavior in a coffee shop. Key insights for designing a space that boosts coffee sales.
How to Manage and Operate a Specialty Coffee Shop
Learn key strategies for lighting, staffing, leadership, and competition analysis to successfully run a specialty coffee shop.