A bubble tea franchise store in Wuxi appears to run community group buys and membership top-ups on the surface, but behind the scenes it is suspected of large-scale fraud. Over a thousand local people have fallen victim, with transaction flows of nearly 200 million yuan, and even people in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui and other places have been caught up in it. Even more surprisingly, the operator had compulsory measures changed because of pregnancy, and afterward continued to operate and keep selling low-priced products. The brand owner eventually announced the termination of cooperation and removed the signage, but the store changed its name and still opened as usual, and was still constantly hiring. What exactly is going on? What should ordinary consumers and job seekers pay attention to? [more…]

During the May Day holiday, "group leaders" in several Shanghai communities organized group buys of a Little Tea, with over 8,000 cups of drinks transported across provinces from out-of-town stores, arriving in consumers' hands overnight or even after nearly 24 hours. The group-buy price was double the official price, and the resellers were accused of profiting about 250,000 yuan. The total bacterial count in these milk teas rose sharply over time at room temperature, and some consumers developed gastroenteritis symptoms after drinking them. The Little Tea brand later issued a statement expressing shock at the high-priced reselling and reminding consumers to choose compliant channels carefully. This article reviews the course of the incident, the food safety data, and responses from all parties, while also offering coffee lovers Front Street Coffee's professional purchasing advice. [more…]

Community coffee shops are becoming a new sight in urban neighborhoods. Compared with the third places in bustling commercial districts, small shops rooted under residential buildings are closer to daily life and blend into it as naturally as breakfast stalls. Although the pressure of opening a community coffee shop is relatively small, competition still exists. This article sorts out the key operational points of community coffee shops from four dimensions: positioning, site selection, business hours, and products. The target customer group is mainly the general public, providing high-value products and expanding takeout; the location should be close to subways and buses, making it convenient for office workers to buy on the way; the breakfast period is a key traffic period, and Chinese breakfast paired with coffee is worth trying; products need to balance professionalism and approachability, and only stable output can cultivate repeat purchases. Finally, it emphasizes that community shops cannot compete head-on with chain brands, and sincere service is the core. [more…]

In recent years, Starbucks has continued to adjust its store layout strategy, gradually extending from core commercial districts to surrounding communities, and even setting its sights on traditional wet markets. A newly opened wet market in Minhang District, Shanghai, has brought in a Starbucks, and a Starbucks store has also appeared in a long-established comprehensive wholesale market in Seoul, South Korea. The heavy foot traffic, relatively low rents, and considerable repeat-purchase potential of wet markets have prompted coffee brands to re-examine the commercial value of traditional bazaars. This article focuses on the phenomenon of Starbucks choosing wet market locations, analyzing the logic behind this strategy, the feasibility of selling coffee in wet markets, and the significance of affordable pricing for the expansion of the coffee market. [more…]

Coffee is no longer just a drink that wakes up a tired body in the morning; it is gradually evolving into a common social language among young people. From the "coffee in the morning, alcohol at night" lifestyle, to a casual "Wanna grab a coffee?" in the office that kicks off some downtime, to the warmth of neighbors exchanging coffee supplies during the pandemic, the functions coffee carries have long gone beyond simply staying awake. Starbucks has been in China for over two decades, spurring cafes to spring up everywhere. Discussions about coffee remain intensely popular on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douban, and brand fan groups have emerged along with them. Cafe locations have also expanded from commercial districts and office buildings to residential neighborhoods, making their community character increasingly distinct. This article examines how coffee has transformed from a functional beverage into social hard currency, while also including recommendations for specialty bean channels such as Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Owning a coffee shop on a university campus is a startup dream for many students. Recently, a junior student shared their experience of opening a coffee shop at an abandoned counter on campus: personally selecting beans, milk, and equipment, and with no rent pressure, the average price was only 9 yuan, yet business remained sluggish. Aside from occasional visits from teachers, there was almost no foot traffic. Why couldn't low prices win over the student body? Netizens analyzed that chain brands such as Luckin, Cotti, and Lucky Cup had long established themselves on campuses, and at comparable prices, consumers tend to favor chains with brand assurance and standardized products. In addition, campus coffee shops need to clarify whether they are grab-and-go stores or third places, and open up the market through online promotion, community operations, and campus delivery. This article compiles netizens' practical suggestions to provide reference for campus coffee entrepreneurs. [more…]

Recently, a netizen in Shanghai discovered that a Manner Coffee had actually opened inside a Lianjia store, with the two brands sharing the same signboard—white and green each taking up half. Upon entering, one could see both Manner's inverted triangle logo and Lianjia's property listing boards. Was this Manner's attempt to expand into community channels, or had Lianjia taken a stake in the coffee brand? The answer was finally revealed when Lianjia's official WeChat account posted on April 7 confirming the official opening of this shared store at No. 184, Lane 100, Zhongtan Road. Manner has always chosen locations in core business districts or areas with dense office buildings. This time, moving its counter into a community and sharing space with a real estate agency has sparked quite a bit of discussion. Some are looking forward to it, some are joking about it, and others question whether the two consumption scenarios can truly integrate. This article takes you through the ins and outs of this cross-industry collaboration. [more…]

Recently, a compact metal accessory has been generating quite a bit of discussion in the coffee community. Many enthusiasts see it as a handy tool for simplifying the extraction process—the secondary dispersion screen. What changes can this metal disc actually bring? Can it truly solve the common problem of wet, crumbly pucks after espresso extraction? In this issue, Front Street will analyze the core functions of the secondary dispersion screen, and combine that with hands-on experience using related products from the Bomber brand to provide an objective reference for coffee lovers who are still on the fence. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee's second store in China has been confirmed to continue locating in Shanghai, with the site chosen at the first and second floors along the street of Jing'an Kerry Centre, and it is currently still under renovation. Previously affected by the Shanghai pandemic lockdown, the preparation progress was once hindered, and many people believed that Blue Bottle's entry timing was poor. However, during the pandemic's closed-loop production period, Blue Bottle, relying on the advantage of fresh coffee beans from its own roasting factory, instead gained a wave of goodwill in community group buying and home coffee consumption scenarios. This article reviews Blue Bottle Coffee's pricing logic, brand positioning, and the prospects of the specialty coffee market, exploring whether this expansion is ill-timed or well-timed. [more…]

After two consecutive quarters of disappointing sales performance, Starbucks' new CEO Niccol has begun adjusting the company's business strategy, significantly scaling back the frequent discount promotions previously offered and instead turning to new approaches such as loyalty points and limited-time specials to attract customers. This move aims to reverse the sales decline while reshaping Starbucks' brand positioning as a "community coffeehouse." However, reducing discounts may also push some consumers toward more cost-effective alternatives. This article will examine the background of Starbucks' strategic adjustment, the specific measures involved, and the potential impact they may bring. [more…]

Many people, driven by work stress and a regular coffee habit, begin to toy with the idea of quitting their jobs to open a café, imagining that life will be more relaxed and free. But is running a coffee shop really that easy? Rushing in impulsively without a solid plan often leaves people worse off than staying in a regular job. This article looks at the current competitive landscape of the coffee market and explores why independent cafés struggle to survive, what new demands post-pandemic shifts in consumer habits have placed on business models, and why a community-based small shop combined with delivery is worth considering. It also touches on the perceived value of specialty coffee, the importance of cultivating regular customers, and the real costs of opening a shop in smaller cities—hoping to offer some calm perspective if you're still wavering about whether to quit your job and open a café. [more…]

For coffee lovers, besides daily drinking, understanding industry trends, learning brewing techniques, and sourcing quality ingredients are equally important. With all kinds of coffee websites online, which ones are truly worth bookmarking? This article reviews five professional sites with strong reputations in the coffee community, covering different focuses such as B2B trading, industry news, technical exchange, business matchmaking, and official brand channels. Whether you're a professional looking to buy green beans in bulk or an ordinary enthusiast hoping to refine your pour-over skills, this list can help you quickly find the information gateway that suits you. The article also specifically mentions recommendations related to Front Street Coffee for your reference. [more…]

After more than three months of waiting, Shanghai's restaurant industry has finally seen the return of dine-in service. Starting June 29, streets and towns within their jurisdictions that have no medium-risk areas and no community transmission in the past week have been reopening dine-in service in an orderly manner. As soon as the news broke, phones at major coffee shops would not stop ringing, and owners rushed to share moments from this extraordinary period: some customers arrived to wait before the staff did, some owners drank through an entire batch of limited-edition beans by themselves, some worked around the clock living at their shops, and others are still waiting for approval. This article documents the real experiences of Shanghai coffee shop owners, as well as the procedures and current situation behind the resumption of dine-in service, while also keeping its focus on and recommendations for specialty coffee beans. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee, hailed as the "Apple of the coffee world," opened its second store in mainland China on August 5 at Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Centre. Unlike its first store by the Suzhou Creek, this new location is rooted in the Nanjing West Road commercial area, with a two-story space of over 500 square meters and about 160 seats, mainly targeting white-collar workers. The design incorporates traditional Chinese roof tile elements, using more than 13,000 handmade terracotta bricks. On opening day, queues were still necessary, but the wait time had shrunk from seven hours at the first store half a year ago to about 25 minutes. Blue Bottle Coffee has not joined the domestic price war, maintaining its niche specialty pricing of 28 to 50 yuan. [more…]

Recently, the Panama BOP (Best of Panama) green bean auction, hailed as a grand event in the coffee world, has successfully concluded. In this year's auction, Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha once again rewrote the historical transaction record: the washed group was purchased by Dubai's Julith Coffee for a staggering $30,204 per kilogram, setting a new global record for the highest unit price in coffee auctions. What excited the domestic coffee community even more was that the top lot in the natural group was won by JD.com for approximately 3.4 million RMB, with 20 kilograms of green beans going through 2,676 intense bids. JD.com subsequently announced that this batch of Geisha will be roasted and processed for exclusive sale on JD Supermarket, accompanied by activities such as a "spend 5,000, save 4,990" coupon and 9.9 yuan tasting slots, giving ordinary consumers a chance to experience top-tier specialty coffee. Front Street Coffee will also continue to follow the subsequent developments after this top lot arrives in port. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts have added espresso machines to their homes, but due to a lack of knowledge about cleaning and maintenance, problems such as weakened steam, uneven water flow, and even portafilter leaks begin to appear after the machine has been used for a while. This article systematically organizes maintenance methods for home espresso machines: from the routine cleaning of the steam wand and shower screen after each brew, to using a blind basket to backflush and remove internal residue before shutting down, and then to regularly using specialized cleaning powder for deep treatment of the steam wand, shower screen, and portafilter basket. The article also explains in detail the steps for replacing the brew head gasket after it ages, and reminds readers that water needs to be filtered to prevent scale from damaging the boiler. The article involves practical experience with the machine models used in Front Street Coffee stores, and is suitable for coffee enthusiasts to follow and implement. [more…]

How to properly store coffee beans after bringing them home is a topic many enthusiasts often discuss. Some people habitually put their beans in the fridge, while others worry that moisture will instead harm the quality. After noticing this question in the community chat, Front Street specifically sorted out the principles behind frozen storage and the conditions for its use. Freezing can indeed slow oxidation and lock in flavor, but improper handling can also lead to moisture and flavor transfer issues. This article will explain the purpose of freezing coffee beans, its effect on grinding, the hardware conditions that need to be met, and more practical ways to store coffee beans day to day, helping you keep your beans in good condition at home. [more…]

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Studio (WeChat official account: cafe_style). For more specialty coffee beans, please add our private WeChat: Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee), WeChat ID: qjcoffeex. With the rise of specialty coffee culture [more…]

Yirgacheffe is one of Ethiopia's most recognizable coffee regions, known for its jasmine aroma, citric acidity, and tea-like finish. This article systematically lays out the complete picture of washed Yirgacheffe G1 coffee beans, from the geographical environment, climate and altitude, and cultivation methods to the introduction of washed processing technology. The article also presents Front Street Coffee's washed Yirgacheffe series, including Gudingding and Konga Red Cherry, and provides a detailed explanation of the high-altitude heirloom coffee from the Kochere sub-region along with its brewing parameters. It is suitable for coffee enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of the source of Yirgacheffe's flavor and how to choose among them. [more…]

How much startup capital does it really take to open a small private coffee shop? And how much does it cost to learn coffee-making? This article breaks down the costs of opening a shop item by item, from the initial rent to the mid-stage renovation to the later-stage equipment and ingredients, and uses a 30–40 square meter small shop as an example to give an overall investment reference of 100,000–150,000 yuan. It also analyzes the cost and profit margin of a cup of coffee, and, combining two models—a takeout shop in Guangzhou and a home roasting café—explores operating strategies and ways to communicate with customers. Finally, it introduces the price range of coffee-learning courses. Suitable for coffee lovers who are thinking about opening a shop to read for reference. [more…]