Many young people dream of opening a coffee shop, but the reality is that cases of businesses being put up for transfer within six months are all too common. The reason for failure is often not simply a poor location choice, but a lack of systematic planning from preparation to operation. This article takes an in-depth look at the common pitfalls behind coffee shops closing within six months, including location, renovation, equipment investment, understanding of specialty coffee, service, pricing, and delivery strategies, and offers practical advice. Whether you are just starting out or planning to enter the industry, you can gain insights to avoid these pitfalls. [more…]

Coffee shops have limited space. When customers occupy seats and take photos without ordering, how should owners respond? Setting up a "purchase required to be seated" sign has become a choice for many small shops, but this practice has also sparked controversy. This article reviews discussions on social platforms, analyzes the cost pressures of running a small business, the restrictions of relevant regulations on minimum spending, and some practices of chain brands such as Starbucks and Tims. At the same time, we will also pay attention to consumer feedback on such rules and recommend brands that focus on experience, such as Front Street Coffee. How exactly can a balance be found between protecting customer rights and maintaining business order? This is worth thinking about for every coffee lover. [more…]

Recently, customers in many places have noticed that some power outlets in Starbucks stores have been sealed off, sparking widespread discussion. As a chain brand positioned around the "third place," Starbucks has long attracted office workers, students, and other consumers who linger for extended periods, and amenities such as power outlets and Wi-Fi are among the reasons for its popularity. However, the behavior of some people who occupy seats and charge their devices without making a purchase has forced stores to take countermeasures such as sealing off outlets and requiring a purchase to be seated. Is this move a helpless step to cut costs and improve efficiency, or does it harm the experience of genuine customers? This article synthesizes multiple viewpoints to explore the balance between the operational dilemmas behind Starbucks' outlet closures and consumer rights. [more…]

In chain brands and independent cafés alike, the phenomenon of customers occupying seats without ordering has long plagued operators. Recently, a café owner faced negative reviews and was then anonymously reported to 12315 for setting a rule requiring a purchase to be seated, sparking widespread attention. Regulatory authorities made it clear that if there is a clear notice in the store, it does not constitute forced consumption. This article reviews the course of events, combines lawyers' views with the current state of the industry, explores the legal boundaries of consumption-based seating and the survival difficulties of independent cafés, and also provides reference and lessons for others in the industry. [more…]

Recently, videos of altercations between Starbucks staff and non-paying customers have surfaced one after another on social media, drawing widespread attention. On one side, an elderly person argued with staff after being asked to leave for not making a purchase; on the other, a store in Xi'an was accused of frequently shooing away passersby who hadn't bought anything. Starbucks customer service responded that stores do indeed have a "purchase to be seated" rule, but they won't force customers to buy. Behind this new rule lies the real dilemma of store environments being affected by people who occupy seats without spending, and it also reflects the discussion about the boundary between commercial premises and public space. As a coffee enthusiast, what do you think of Starbucks' approach? [more…]

Recently, a Peet's Coffee store in Wuhan placed a "Notice for Entry" at its entrance, explicitly requiring customers to make a purchase before they can be seated. This move quickly sparked widespread discussion among netizens. Many consumers expressed support, believing it can effectively curb uncivilized behaviors such as occupying seats for long periods without buying anything, playing cards, putting on makeup, or even livestreaming. Others questioned the notice's actual enforceability. Previously, Starbucks tried a similar policy, but the results were less than ideal. Whether Peet's move can truly improve the store environment and enhance the customer experience has become a focal point of attention in the coffee industry. [more…]

Recently, a netizen exposed that a certain Cotti Coffee store placed a notice sign in its outdoor seating area, explicitly prohibiting customers from bringing coffee of other brands to sit down, and marking competitor logos with a prohibition symbol. This practice quickly sparked heated discussion: supporters believe that businesses have the right to set consumption-based seating rules, while opponents question whether it涉嫌 excludes competitors and infringes on consumers' right to choose independently. As the topic trended on social media, Cotti officially responded that it had not uniformly required stores to use such notice signs and would verify the relevant situation. Behind the incident, the boundary between business autonomy and consumer rights has once again become the focus. [more…]

Recently, the topic of Starbucks requiring customers to make a purchase to be seated has continued to simmer online, with many netizens expressing support for businesses setting reasonable consumption thresholds. However, when two customers order just one pot of tea and are asked to consume separately per seat, controversy follows. From bookstores to independent cafes, rules requiring per-seat or per-person consumption are common. Some believe it's reasonable for one drink to correspond to one seat, while others question why a pot of tea or a set meal that is clearly enough to share must be ordered one per person. Where exactly lies the difference in stance between businesses and consumers? This article will draw on multiple real cases to sort out the business logic and consumer sentiment behind per-seat consumption, and will retain relevant recommendations for the Front Street brand for coffee enthusiasts' reference. [more…]

Recently, an independent coffee shop in Seoul, South Korea, got into a conflict with five Chinese-speaking foreign female tourists over its dine-in rule of "one drink per person." The tourists ordered only two drinks but wanted to seat five people; when asked to order three more drinks, they refused and an argument broke out. As they were leaving, one tourist poured an unfinished drink onto the sofa and table, while her companions made obscene gestures at the manager who chased after them and hurled insults. The incident sparked anger among South Korean netizens. Independent coffee shops frequently clash with customers over house rules, and Front Street Coffee reminds us that understanding and respecting a shop's rules is the prerequisite for enjoying coffee culture. [more…]

As the champion among coffee varieties, Geisha coffee has always attracted attention for its unique flavor and strict grading system. From the professional perspective of Front Street, this article systematically sorts out the origin and spread of the Geisha variety, explains in detail the grading logic of the Red Label, Green Label, and Blue Label of Panama's Hacienda Esmeralda, and shares Front Street Geisha coffee's pour-over parameters and brewing suggestions. Whether you want to understand how Geisha coffee beans are graded, or want to master how to brew a delicious cup of Panama Geisha pour-over coffee, this article provides a complete and practical reference. [more…]

As a standout among coffee varieties, Geisha coffee is renowned worldwide for its full sweetness, clean cup profile, and rich aromatics. From its discovery in the forests of Ethiopia to its championship win at Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama, Geisha's legendary journey is captivating. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the origins of the Geisha coffee variety, the criteria for classifying the Red Label and Green Label grades at Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama, and brewing techniques for Geisha processed by different methods. At the same time, Front Street Coffee will share recommended brewing parameters and flavor descriptions for Geisha coffee to help coffee lovers better understand and appreciate this precious variety. Whether you are new to Geisha or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will provide you with practical reference information. [more…]

During the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival, Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest typhoon to make landfall in Shanghai in 75 years, struck head-on, putting the entire city on high alert. Yet as soon as the wind and rain let up, Shanghai residents couldn't wait to step outside and head for coffee shops. Whether independent cafés or chains like Manner, Luckin, Mstand, and Starbucks, long lines quickly formed. This article captures the scenes at Shanghai's street-side coffee shops after the typhoon, showcasing the city's deep-seated love for coffee. [more…]

Recently, Southern Metropolis Daily reported that a banner reading "Be cautious about franchising, I've lost everything" appeared in front of an Auntea Jenny franchise store in Ningbo, Zhejiang, quickly sparking public attention. The franchisee claimed that they were heavily fined by the company for purchasing materials from outside sources, and subsequently three stores were unilaterally closed; the brand responded that the closures were mainly due to poor management and had no direct connection to the brand. Both sides stick to their own accounts, and behind the incident lie deep-seated contradictions in the franchise model regarding material pricing, penalty mechanisms, and store subsidies. This article sorts out the sequence of events, presents both sides' statements and industry observations, for the reference of coffee and tea beverage practitioners. [more…]

At an elevation of 1,743 meters, the Starbucks Qingjing store is not only the highest Starbucks in Taiwan but also ranks fifth globally in terms of store altitude. This landmark café, rooted in Qingjing Farm for twenty-two years, has recently confirmed that it will cease operations on July 21. After the news broke, local workers and residents expressed their reluctance, and community discussions once forced Uni-President Group to backtrack, saying they were still evaluating. However, Starbucks Taiwan ultimately issued an announcement, bringing an end to the fate of this old store. The plummeting tourist traffic to Qingjing Farm and the shrinking performance of the store year after year reflect the deep-seated difficulties facing Taiwan's tourism industry. [more…]

Recently, some Lucky Cup stores have posted eye-catching notices at their counters, explicitly listing preparation restrictions such as "coffee has no room-temperature option, no ice removal" and "hand-muddled/perfume drinks cannot be sugar-free," drawing attention. In fact, similar friendly reminders appear at stores of multiple chain beverage brands, and staff members candidly admit: flexibly adjusting ice levels does not necessarily earn praise, but violating operating rules may lead to penalties. At the same time, some consumers give negative reviews due to changes in drink taste, putting frontline employees in a dilemma. This tug-of-war over formula standardization and personalized demands reflects the deep-seated contradiction in the chain beverage industry between unified output and accommodating consumer experience. [more…]

Recently, news emerged that the Starbucks Reserve store at Guangzhou's Parc Central is set to close, with official confirmation that it will officially cease operations in the coming days. This store, which opened in 2017, was created by Starbucks to celebrate its 15th anniversary of entering the South China market and was once hailed as "one of Guangzhou's most design-forward stores." Unlike previously closed old stores located in declining foot traffic commercial districts, this closure is in a core commercial area of Tianhe District, surrounded by luxury brands, and the store was almost always full on a daily basis. However, high rent, low table turnover caused by the open-plan space, and phenomena such as "people only checking in for photos without consuming" may have made it difficult for the store to be profitable after deducting costs. Starbucks stated that the reason for the closure is adjustments to the business mix in the commercial district and said there are still more than 10 nearby stores for consumers to choose from. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts, when brewing pour-over coffee, follow established parameters yet the final flavor often deviates from expectations—the problem usually lies in those easily overlooked operational details. Front Street Coffee has compiled ten points that beginners most often neglect, covering pre-grinding burr rinsing, filter paper fitting, tapping the dripper, checking before pouring, timing of water temperature confirmation, parameter execution, bloom saturation, focusing on the coffee bed rather than the scale, shaking for evenness, and correctly interpreting the shape of the spent coffee bed. These details may seem minor, but they directly affect extraction uniformity and the final taste. Mastering them will help you pinpoint the source of problems more quickly during troubleshooting, bringing every cup closer to the ideal state. [more…]

If you're looking for a place to relax on the weekend, gather a few friends for coffee and some reading, a café is undoubtedly a great choice. These ten highly regarded themed cafés in Chongqing each have their own charm—some are tucked away in lush flower houses, some offer views of the Yuzhong Peninsula's night skyline, some take an industrial-meets-artsy-minimalist approach, and others create a fairyland atmosphere with seas of flowers and greenery. From Longhu Times Paradise Walk to Jiefangbei, Nanbin Road, and Beibin Road, these shops each have their own signature offerings in environment, drinks, and desserts. This article compiles each café's features, average per-person spending, and detailed addresses, making it easy for coffee lovers to explore them one by one. If you're used to brewing your own, Front Street Coffee's beans are also a great choice for recreating these flavors at home. [more…]

Chain coffee brands often attract loyal customers with membership discounts, and Mstand's black gold card 50% off benefit was once a reason for many consumers to keep spending. However, some members have discovered that to maintain their status, they need to accumulate spending of 6,000 yuan within a year, which translates to buying 316 discounted drinks to meet the threshold, while scalpers offering proxy orders on second-hand platforms can provide discounts as low as 15% off, and they have not been banned. What confuses members even more is that when they helped friends place proxy orders, they were banned by the system. When official membership discounts are far inferior to scalper prices, the appeal of the membership system is being tested. If the brand tacitly allows proxy orders to exist, will it lose more loyal users? [more…]

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Not only can it refresh the mind, but it may also quietly change your shopping habits. A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consuming caffeine before shopping significantly increases spending and the number of items purchased, especially non-essential goods. Researchers at the University of South Florida, through offline retail store and online laboratory experiments, revealed how caffeine affects impulse control by releasing dopamine. This article will explain in detail the design of the study, its results, and its implications for everyday consumption, while also reminding coffee lovers to be mindful of the potential financial effects while enjoying coffee. [more…]