Café
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
When Coffee Shop Owners Face Unfair Backlash
A Guangzhou coffee shop owner shares real stories of unfair customer treatment over small disputes — and asks when respect goes both ways.
Can Bookstores Thrive by Adding Coffee Shops?
A Hangzhou hybrid bookstore-coffee shop shows how bookstores can survive by integrating coffee culture. Here’s how it works.
Why a Prime Location Can Still Mean a Struggling Shop
Even in a high-traffic area, a poorly designed storefront can doom your business. Here’s why location isn’t everything.
How Online Crowdfunding Can Sustain Specialty Coffee Shops
Two Beijing cafes funded online took different paths: one with collective decision-making thrived longer, the other with top-down control faltered. Here’s why.
Tianjin Cat Café Offers Rare Breeds and Specialty Coffee
A new cat-themed café in Tianjin’s commercial district features rare cat breeds and serves specialty coffee during its soft launch.
Philosophy Graduates Open Cultural Café in Haining
A former Beijing philosophy student and his wife opened a cozy Haining café designed for reading, music, and quiet reflection.
How WeeCoffee Built a Shanghai Coffee Shop Around Weibo Connections
Founded by Weibo users, WeeCoffee micro cafe blends coffee with community in a Shanghai space designed for cross-disciplinary exchange.
How to Open a Coffee Shop in 10 Steps
Starting a coffee shop? Here’s a clear 10-step guide covering location, budget, equipment, suppliers, licensing, and launch prep.
How a Small-Town Coffee Shop Built Its Brand Culture
A year and a half in, this Chinese county coffee shop owner shares how consistent branding, environment, and service built strong local loyalty.
2014 Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship Announced
The 2014 Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship runs June 26–28 at the Canton Fair Complex. Discover how the event trains cuppers and promotes specialty coffee.
The Coffee Shop Chair That Holds Your Cup—and Your Keys
A South Korean designer created a cafe chair with a built-in coffee cup holder and side loop for bags or keys. Here’s how it works.
A Family-Run Specialty Coffee Shop in Shizuoka
A Japanese coffee shop in Shizuoka is run by an owner who converted his home’s first floor into a cozy single-origin coffee space.
Why Great Indonesian Coffee Needs Better Marketing
Indonesian specialty coffee offers unique flavors, but struggles domestically. Learn why local roasts lose to chains like Starbucks—and how to fix it.
Why Many European-Style Cafés in Wenzhou Are Closing
Most Wenzhou European-style cafés lose money—only 10% turn a profit. High rents, slow customer growth, and limited menu innovation make survival tough.
How Starbucks Copies Talent to Build Indispensable Baristas
Starbucks founder Howard Schultz focused on replicating barista skills early on, turning skilled individuals into indispensable team members across locations.
How Two 80s-Era 'Tree Ladies' Opened a Unique Coffee Shop in Nanjing
In Nanjing, two 80s-born women turned their dream into reality by opening Miss Café, a creative coffee spot known for handmade treats, original postcards, and slow mail service.
Student-Run Coffee Shop: A Real-World Startup Case
A university student transformed a dormant café into a thriving 1,000 RMB/day business with zero coffee knowledge—here’s how.
How to Open a Distinctive Specialty Coffee Shop
A detailed guide to launching a unique café, from location and décor to pricing and mission—plus how to balance charm with profitability.
How Café Brioso Builds Team Culture Around Specialty Coffee
Café Brioso in Columbus, Ohio, stands out by prioritizing team collaboration and customer experience over profit. Here’s how they train baristas and brew community.
How a Tianjin Cafe Became a Hub for 40 Shareholders
A Tianjin coffee shop with 40 shareholders blends culture, community, and coffee—here’s how they made it work.