Recently, the Starbucks Reserve store next to Xinghai Concert Hall on Ersha Island in Guangzhou was confirmed to have permanently closed after fifteen years in operation, a piece of news that surprised and saddened many regular customers. This store, which opened in 2010, was once one of the most representative coffee shops on Ersha Island. After its lease expired, it quietly withdrew without prior announcement, sparking collective memories among nearby residents and coffee enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Starbucks old stores or specialty stores have also been closing one after another in cities such as Jiangmen, Beijing, Changzhou, and Chengdu, including the city's first pour-over store and old stores that had been operating for more than ten years. For many coffee fans, Starbucks was once the starting point for stepping into the world of coffee. The disappearance of these stores is not just the exit of a shop, but also carries countless personal memories and urban emotions. [more…]

Jay Chou's 2024 Carnival concert tour Nanjing stop will be held from September 26 to 29 at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium, with four consecutive days of performances expected to attract 120,000 spectators. At the same time, a Jay Chou-themed coffee shop called "Love in Coffee" has officially opened at Nanjing Xinjiekou Golden Eagle, making its debut alongside the concert. This coffee shop focuses on estate-grade coffee beans and Michelin three-star desserts, with an interior design infused with the poetic fantasy of "Love in Coffee," where greenery and stone intertwine, and mirrored light and shadow create a dreamy atmosphere. Many product names are taken from Jay Chou's classic songs, allowing fans to taste "lyric" drinks while listening to their idol's music. The first Beijing Sanlitun store had previously attracted a large number of fans to check in, and the operator, Star Plus, has close ties with Jay Chou. This article takes you through the features, prices, and fan experience of this celebrity coffee shop. [more…]

At one in the morning on a cold winter day, a crowd of people stared intently at their phone screens, all to grab a number just to drink coffee on a mini-program—this was not a concert ticket, but a true portrayal of JJ Lin's coffee brand Miracle Coffee's pop-up event in Shanghai. In response to fans' calls, Miracle Coffee returned to Shanghai in the form of a pop-up coffee truck, and launched limited-edition drinks like White Magnolia, blind boxes, and a stamp activity, creating a romantic winter date. However, the official side underestimated fans' enthusiasm: as soon as the mini-program released numbers, they were snatched up instantly, the loading page kept spinning, and the system crash left fans waiting for more than half an hour, with complaints rising one after another. In the past, people scrambled for concert tickets; now, even a cup of coffee requires grabbing a number. JJ Lin fans' absurd life experiences have gained another entry. [more…]

In mid-May of this year, an elderly lady running a small shop in Nanjing unexpectedly went viral online, and young people from all over the country flocked to her, just to drink a cup of coffee she brewed herself and take a photo with her. At the height of the buzz, even celebrities came to check in, and she was invited to watch a concert. However, traffic eventually recedes, and when the crowded tide of people dispersed, the small shop returned to its former tranquility. Faced with the now quiet business, this Grandma Han did not feel disappointed; instead, she felt relieved. Her story is like the cup of sugarcane water and coffee in her shop—simple yet open-minded. This article takes you through this brief storm of attention and how the person involved calmly dealt with the ups and downs of life. [more…]

Heytea's collaboration with table tennis champion Fan Zhendong has sparked a buying frenzy, with limited-edition fridge magnets and luggage tags selling out within minutes of release, prompting many fans to complain that getting one was as hard as snagging concert tickets. Store employees revealed that each branch received very few of the merch items, to the point that even they couldn't get their hands on any. However, some netizens discovered that scalped items had already appeared on second-hand platforms at inflated prices, listed even earlier than the official promotion, raising suspicions that insiders were withholding stock for profit. Whether it's insufficient inventory or artificial scarcity marketing, consumer discontent is spreading, and the brand's collaboration strategy is facing a real test. [more…]

The Christmas collaboration between Heytea and Hello Kitty was supposed to be a fan frenzy, but it was overshadowed by the chaos of scrambling for limited-edition tea bowls. The silver Hello Kitty-shaped tea bowl with a rose-pink tray is small, exquisite, and extremely scarce—each store only received 4 to 6 units, making it as hard to snag as concert tickets. However, before the event even began, consumers on social media reported that some store employees had reserved merchandise in advance for regular customers, and even second-hand platforms saw scalped pre-orders claiming "100% guaranteed stock" and "we'll get it for you." This is not the first time Heytea has encountered issues with collaboration merchandise leaking early and being resold internally; a similar controversy occurred earlier this year during its collaboration with Light and Night. Fans are calling on the brand to thoroughly investigate internal violations, regulate store behavior, and ensure the collaboration event is conducted fairly. [more…]

It is no longer uncommon for celebrities to open coffee shops across industries, but Nicholas Tse's "Chef Nic" coffee shop that has now landed in Zhengzhou has taken a different route. The shop was jointly created by Chef Nic and Xinhua Youpin under Xinhua News Agency. In addition to serving coffee and light meals, it also displays poverty-alleviation agricultural products such as Yunnan Menglian coffee, Hebei Wuqiao roast chicken, and Inner Mongolia oatmeal, as well as intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and cultural merchandise. Fans who visited the shop reported that the coffee was mediocre, with the bean aroma not standing out enough, and that it felt more like a space for experiencing poverty-alleviation agricultural products. At the same time, many longtime fans have spoken up: rather than opening shops nationwide, it would be better to hold concerts quickly. [more…]

Suzhou, a gentle ancient city in the Jiangnan region, hides quite a few specialty coffee shops worth a dedicated visit. This article compiles a summary of shop visits from a veteran coffee enthusiast, covering more than seventy four- to five-star coffee shops across Gusu District, the Industrial Park, the High-Tech District, Wuzhong District, and beyond—from artsy little cafes to cat-themed coffee houses, from Korean-style chains to standalone buildings with Republican-era charm, each with its own distinctive setting, offerings, and story. Whether you're a coffee purist chasing pour-over quality or an artsy soul who favors ambiance, this list can help you find that perfect cup in Suzhou. [more…]

Recently, a netizen posted on social media reporting that makeup artists were seen doing makeup for customers inside a Luckin Coffee store, with the smell of hairspray filling the entire space, sparking widespread discussion about food safety and the consumer experience. Many consumers said they had witnessed similar scenes at chain beverage stores such as Starbucks, Peet's, and Heytea, especially at stores near exhibition halls and concert venues. Opponents argue that using spray-type cosmetics in open preparation areas poses a risk of contaminating drinks, while store employees helplessly say that because there are no explicit prohibitions, they fear that intervening would lead to complaints and bad reviews, so they often choose to stay silent. Front Street Coffee has always been concerned about the quality and safety of the coffee consumption environment, and this incident has once again prompted the industry to think about the boundaries of store management. [more…]

A 10-yuan drink made by mixing three sticks of Nescafe instant coffee powder with hot water has unexpectedly turned a small sugarcane juice shop in Nanjing that has been around for more than 30 years into an online sensation. Singer Guang Liang was recently spotted queuing outside the shop to buy one, pushing the topic onto trending searches. With the brand supplying free stock, media outlets rushing to report, and celebrities showing up to check in, why exactly has this literally "hand-brewed coffee" become a traffic magnet? Is it the appeal of good quality at a low price, or a bandwagon trend on social platforms? This article walks you through the course of events and explores the consumer psychology and coffee culture phenomenon behind it. [more…]

When tasting specialty coffee, vision, smell, and taste must work in concert, and the core of discerning flavors lies in long-term training and accumulated memory. This article systematically introduces how to build a personal taste memory bank through everyday scent memory, blind smelling exercises, and the aid of aroma vials, and uses Panama Hartmann Estate red wine process coffee as an example to analyze, layer by layer, the specific training methods for dry aroma, wet aroma, the finish, and the aftertaste. It also includes practical advice from Front Street Coffee to help coffee lovers sharpen their sensory acuity in practice and truly taste the rich layers of coffee. [more…]

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has always been a standout among specialty coffees, and the RSW estates are a particularly iconic presence within the Blue Mountain region. RSW is made up of three estates—Resource, Sherwood Forest, and Whitfield Hall—named after their respective initials, representing the origin of 100% authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain beans. This article will guide you through an in-depth look at the geographical environment, cultivation traditions, and processing methods of these three estates, from opening the barrel for inspection to cupping the flavor, fully presenting the unique charm of RSW Blue Mountain No. 1. Whether you are a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a newcomer just getting to know Blue Mountain, this article will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of this legendary coffee. [more…]

As the coffee wave sweeps across every industry, even ancient temples spanning a millennium can no longer resist the urge to cross over. Longhua Temple, the oldest in Shanghai, has recently opened a beverage window next to its vegetarian restaurant, launching "vegetarian coffee" that uses oat milk instead of dairy milk — catering to vegetarians and those who are lactose intolerant. This is not the first time a temple has ventured into coffee; from Dafo Temple in Guangzhou to Yongfu Temple in Hangzhou, the collision between Buddhist monasteries and coffee has long existed. Longhua Temple's move, with its affordable prices, has sparked heated discussion online: can coffee be classified as vegetarian or non-vegetarian? Is temples selling coffee a new path for cultural dissemination, or just a gimmick? This article takes you behind the scenes. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee's fourth store in Shanghai has opened in Qingpu District's Panlong Tiandi, situated between a century-old historic house and a new building, integrating the brand's space into the ancient townscape of the Jiangnan water region. The store is divided into three areas: the historic house, the new building, and a public gathering space, preserving traditional architectural structures while infusing them with a modern design language. In addition, the Panlong store has introduced a Water Chestnut Cake Affogato that blends traditional flavors, combining the soft, sweet water chestnut cake with rich, aromatic Italian affogato to deliver a unique taste experience. Join us as we explore this Blue Bottle Coffee in the ancient town and experience the collision of coffee and local culture. [more…]

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is renowned for its delicate, clean, and balanced taste, representing high-quality wet-processed (washed) coffee. It possesses a silky, rounded body, refined and mild flavors, and bright, vibrant acidity, with very low bitterness. Its aroma carries floral, sweet nutty, and herbal notes, with a complex flavor profile that often presents chocolate-like tones. Established estates such as Silver Mountain, Wallenford, Moy Hall, and Mavis Bank, as well as Old Tavern Estate, are all representatives of premium Blue Mountain growing regions. This article will systematically outline the taste and aroma characteristics of Blue Mountain coffee, provide references for choosing Blue Mountain coffee bean brands, and, in conjunction with recommendations from Front Street Coffee, help enthusiasts better understand and make purchasing decisions. [more…]

Why can Blue Mountain coffee rightfully claim its status as a globally recognized top-tier growing region? The answer lies in the unique terroir of Jamaica's Blue Mountains and a rigorous management system. Front Street Coffee's Jamaica Blue Mountain R.S.W. United Estate Blue Mountain Coffee R.S.W ESTATES is a union of three estates—Resource, Sherwood Forest, and Whitfield Hall—using the honey processing method to deliver a clean, sweet, and delicate cup profile. This article will guide you through the origin of the Blue Mountain name, the composition of the R.S.W. United Estate, and the historical context of how, after the 1948 establishment of the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board (CIB), legislation defined Blue Mountain coffee, classified export grades, and ultimately entrusted Wallenford Estate with the mission of quality management. [more…]

Jamaican Blue Mountain No. 1 coffee beans are widely recognized as the pinnacle of the coffee world, and together with Hawaiian Kona, they are known as "the King and the Queen." Although in recent years, affected by production fluctuations and climatic factors, the overall quality and reputation of Blue Mountain coffee have fluctuated somewhat, Blue Mountain No. 1 still firmly holds the throne, and its price has become more rational. Specialty coffee emphasizes estate traceability, and Jamaican Blue Mountain mainly comes from three major estates: Clydesdale, Mavis Bank, and Moy Hall. This article focuses on Blue Mountain No. 1 from Clydesdale Estate, sorting out its historical context and brand evolution, and introduces Front Street Coffee's recommendation and interpretation of this bean, helping you understand the true grade and flavor characteristics of this legendary coffee. [more…]

Nowadays, the coffee track is becoming increasingly crowded. In order to stand out among numerous stores, many cafes have begun to focus on spatial design. Some focus on value for money, some compete on service, and others rely on unique decor to attract young people to check in. One coffee shop has built a small rockery and an oval pool inside the store, with ceramic candlesticks holding lit candles floating in the pool. Amid the drifting mist, the candlesticks gently move with the waves, colliding with each other and making crisp sounds. The shop may have wanted to create a dreamy, cloud-like feeling, but after netizens saw the photos, opinions were mixed: some thought it was classy, while others mocked it as looking like a funeral hall, a bathhouse, or even a hot spring. From the source of inspiration to the actual impression, what kind of experience does this shop's design ultimately bring? [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…]

In the World Barista Championship (WBC) in 2015, the competitor from Australia, Sasa Sestic, won the championship of that year with a Sudan Rume coffee that carried a gentle flower fragrance, the sweet and fresh juice, and the lemon grass aroma, succ [more…]