In today's world of independent coffee shops increasingly focused on individuality, many owners choose to write their shop rules clearly in prominent places, from selling only Americanos to not offering latte art. These rules are both a statement of the operator's commitment to their own positioning and an invisible threshold that filters customers. However, consumers have mixed views on this: some feel that opening a shop means accepting everyone, and too many restrictions will actually drive away potential customers; others believe that choice should be mutual, and clear rules allow both hosts and guests to find each other faster and avoid unnecessary friction. This discussion around shop rules reflects the subtle shifts in the host-guest relationship within coffee consumption scenarios, and prompts reflection on what kind of business approach can achieve a true two-way connection. [more…]

Faced with a dazzling array of coffee beans, how do you choose the one that suits your taste? Front Street Coffee often recommends coffee beans to guests based on two main directions: acidity and body: the representative known for acidity is Yirgacheffe, while the representative known for body is Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling. This article will introduce the flavor performance of these two styles of coffee beans respectively, covering specific beans such as Yirgacheffe Gutingting, Kenya Little Tomato, Brazil Queen Estate, and PWN Golden Mandheling, and will also include Front Street Coffee's roasting suggestions and brewing parameters to help coffee lovers choose and taste with more direction. [more…]

Can a café make people want to come back again and again based solely on great coffee? In conversations with friends and customers in the shop, the writer found that what truly brings customers back are often the easily overlooked soft experiences—a greeting at the door, recommendations based on taste rather than price, no pressure to “appreciate” the coffee, and the just-right sense of distance between barista and guest. Several interviewees candidly shared their positive and negative experiences, including product information related to the Front Street Coffee brand. These genuine reflections may offer café owners valuable reference. [more…]

When you pick up a cup of hot coffee, do you casually blow on it to cool it, sip it with a coffee spoon, or alternate between a pastry in one hand and coffee in the other? These seemingly natural actions may be stepping right into the no-go zones of coffee etiquette. This article starts with details such as holding the cup, adding sugar, stirring, blowing to cool, and eating pastries, to sort out a proper way to enjoy coffee, and also discusses how to accommodate coffee lovers' habits when hosting guests at home or being a guest. The second half turns its gaze to flavor itself: from the bitterness of the first sip, to repeatedly searching for that cup of coffee that intoxicates you, and then to customizing a personal coffee step by step in a coffee shop, including options such as hot or iced, decaf, ESPRESSO dose, syrup, milk type, and personalized requests, with recommendations from Front Street Coffee attached. [more…]

Starbucks has always centered its brand around the "third place," offering customers a comfortable and relaxing coffee experience. Recently, however, Starbucks stores in multiple cities have received company directives requiring them to keep their doors fully open during business hours, a move that has drawn complaints from both employees and customers. Issues such as loss of air conditioning, noise disturbance, and invading insects have followed one after another, while management believes that closing the doors would make customers mistakenly think the store is not open. What this reflects behind the scenes is the harsh reality of declining performance. From financial report data to rumors of "seat-then-order," and now to "opening the doors to welcome customers," Starbucks is facing unprecedented challenges in the Chinese market. This article will explore in depth the reasons behind this policy and its impact on the brand. [more…]

In the architectural complex of Beijing's Xishiku Church, there is a gray three-story annex built in 1901, once a residence for senior clergy and now transformed into a rather old yet youthful café—1901Cafe. It preserves the architectural charm of a blend of Chinese and Western styles while incorporating the comfortable atmosphere of a modern café. This article takes you into this historic building, exploring its past and present, touring the layout of the second and third floors, and reviewing menu items such as cheese, rose tea, and poutine fries. If you also enjoy having a cup of coffee in old times, you might want to add this place to your next stop. [more…]

While watching the World Cup in Qatar, fans not only felt the passion of the matches but were also deeply moved by the locals' tradition of warm hospitality. After every match, Qataris would offer fans traditional snacks, dates, and coffee, showcasing the Gulf region's hospitality culture of "keeping the pot on the fire." This article takes you through the preparation methods of traditional Qatari coffee, the drinking etiquette, and the historical evolution of Arabic coffee from "Qishr" to "Gahwa." From the etiquette of holding the pot in the left hand and passing the cup with the right, to the use of spices such as saffron and cardamom, and to the origin of the word "coffee" from Arabic, it presents a comprehensive picture of the story behind this beverage that carries folk heritage. [more…]

The taste of a cup of coffee—acidity and bitterness are only the beginning; aroma, sweetness, body, mouthfeel, and finish are what complete the picture. When choosing beans, first lock in your preference for floral and fruity notes, nutty and cocoa notes, or balance, then match that to the origin, processing method, and roast level. Steam pressure is the core of how a moka pot works, so there is no need to tamp the grounds; [more…]

In Chengdu's Kuanzhai Alley, within a Western Sichuan courtyard house first built during the Kangxi era, %Arabica coffee shop engages in a dialogue with the ancient architecture through a minimalist modern design language. The designers retained the original wooden structure and reinforced it with steel, paving the pathways and seating areas with gray bricks, allowing the café to blend seamlessly with the blue bricks and dark tiles. In the central courtyard, stones, floor-to-ceiling glass, and water lily leaves create the imagery of a "water pool," which not only continues the traditional feng shui symbolism of gathering wealth but also reduces the actual maintenance difficulty. The pure white bar counter blends with the building's natural tones, and as guests move through the space, the spatial experience flows and shifts accordingly. This café not only serves coffee but also lets people feel the fusion of history and modernity in the tranquility of old times. At the end of the article, there is also information about Front Street Coffee's specialty beans, which is worth the attention of coffee lovers. [more…]

During the New Year holiday, gathering with friends to play cards is a popular pastime for many, and cozy coffee shops naturally become a hot choice. But recently, a customer who invited eight people to a coffee shop entrance to push tables together and play cards was asked to leave by the owner, and then left two consecutive bad reviews, saying the owner "lacks class." This incident sparked heated discussion online: some support the owner in protecting other customers' experience, while others believe coffee shops should accommodate entertainment needs. Should coffee shops allow card playing? Is it reasonable for the owner to refuse customers? This article will sort through the incident and the views of various parties, and explore the boundaries and difficulties in coffee shop management. [more…]

A traveler from Zhengzhou on a business trip to Chengdu drank the complimentary instant coffee provided in his room after checking into a local Holiday Inn, and subsequently suffered gastrointestinal discomfort. Upon inspecting the packaging, the coffee was produced in March 2022 with a 24-month shelf life, meaning it was nearly half a year past its expiration date when the guest drank it. After the customer reported the matter to the hotel, the hotel offered to refund the room fee and provide 2,000 yuan in compensation, but stressed that the payment was a "reward for discovering the problem" rather than compensation, which the customer did not accept. At present, the Chengdu market regulatory authorities have intervened in the investigation, and the matter is still being handled. This case has also sounded an alarm for food safety management in guest rooms across the hotel industry. [more…]

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the local coffee ceremony is far richer than just a cup of drink. Based on a three-week firsthand experience, this article provides a complete breakdown of the coffee ceremony process: laying out fresh green grass, washing raw beans, roasting over charcoal, crushing in an iron mortar, boiling in a clay pot, and then the three-round coffee drinking order of "Abol," "Tona," and "Baraka," along with the accompanying snacks. The article also describes the unique atmosphere created by myrrh incense, and why locals insist on hand-crushing rather than using a machine grinder. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a cultural explorer, you can feel the devotion and ease of this ancient ritual, and learn about Front Street Coffee's recommendations for Ethiopian coffee. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee has announced that it will host a Blue Bottle Studio coffee tasting experience event in Shanghai, marking the first time this event has entered mainland China. Blue Bottle Studio was founded by Blue Bottle Coffee founder James Freeman and adopts an omakase style; it has previously been held four times in places such as Kyoto, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles. The Shanghai stop will take place from May 7 to 12, with a total of 18 sessions, each with only 4 seats, priced at 780 yuan per person, offering 8 coffee beverages and 2 pastries for tasting. The promotional poster mentions that founder James Freeman and Global Head of Innovation and R&D Benjamin Brewer will make their first visit to Shanghai, sparking a rush of bookings among fans. However, the official side has not yet made a formal statement, and some netizens said they had received telephone confirmation that the two will not attend, with service on site provided by Blue Bottle China's barista team. [more…]

The ICAC, which frequently appears in Hong Kong film and television works, has left a deep impression on countless people with the line "ICAC invites you for coffee." Now, this mysterious agency is really going to open a coffee shop. The ICAC has announced that it will open a coffee shop called "1974" on the ground floor of its North Point headquarters, named after the year of its establishment, with official service beginning on November 15. Previously, the agency joined Xiaohongshu and released a short film titled "Coffee Years" starring Cally Kwong, drawing on the retro filming style of "In the Mood for Love," which sparked widespread discussion among film fans nationwide. On the coffee shop's menu, there are no common lattes or Americanos. Instead, the drinks are named "Transparency," "Sense of Mission," "Courage," "Fairness," "Integrity," and so on, full of ICAC characteristics. At that time, citizens will not only be able to taste ICAC coffee but also learn about the ICAC's work up close. [more…]

Caffè Corretto is a traditional Italian drink that is extremely common in Italy itself but rarely seen outside the country. Its unique feature is that freshly brewed espresso is served alongside a small glass of liquor, allowing guests to blend it to their own preference. Behind this drinking method lies the historical origin of the coffee price surge in 1930s Italy, and different regions also have their own particularities in the choice of liquor and the timing of consumption. This article begins with Front Street's discovery while revisiting James Hoffmann's book, sorting out the origin of the name Caffè Corretto, its historical background, the drinking habits of various regions in northern and southern Italy, and also includes Front Street's low-budget recreation experience, to introduce you to this obscure yet authentic Italian specialty coffee. [more…]

With the rise of the specialty coffee trend, coffee culture has been continuously spreading, and sales of both coffee equipment and coffee beans are constantly increasing. As a store focused on specialty coffee, Front Street not only brews a delicious cup of coffee for every guest, but also aims to spread coffee culture. If everyone [more…]

Drip bag coffee has won the favor of many coffee lovers in a fast-paced life thanks to its convenience and efficiency. But there are also many questions surrounding it: Which country actually invented drip bag coffee? How much water should be used for a 10-gram packet of grounds? Can it be brewed repeatedly? This article will start with the historical origins of drip bag coffee, sort out its essential differences from instant coffee, explain why multiple brews are not recommended, and share practical methods for choosing fresh drip bag coffee. At the same time, Front Street Coffee combines the flavor performance of different producing regions, processing methods, and roast levels to provide a complete drip bag brewing process, including warming the cup, water temperature control, hanging the bag, pre-wetting, and pouring, to help you consistently brew a cup of full-aroma black coffee. [more…]

As the world's largest coffee producer, Brazil is known as the "Coffee Kingdom." Locals treat guests to small cups of strong black coffee called "cafezinho," much like the Chinese serve tea. Among the many Brazilian coffee varieties, Catuai, along with Caturra, Mundo Novo, and Bourbon, is considered one of the four mainstays. This article will introduce in detail the origins of Catuai, its plant characteristics, elevation requirements for cultivation, disease resistance, and flavor profile, while also guiding you through the proper way to enjoy Brazilian black coffee. Front Street Coffee is always dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge, and holds three low-discount events each month so more people can enjoy good coffee at affordable prices. [more…]

Luckin Coffee has opened its second flagship store nationwide in Ningbo, marking Zhejiang Province's first flagship outlet. Located beside the scenic waters near Crystal Street in Tianyi Square, the store appears to float on the water from a distance. The two-story space, adorned in black and gold, spans nearly 400 square meters, second only to the flagship store in Xiamen. The opening day was bustling, but many customers noticed numerous staff in blue uniforms attending to guests outside the bar area, initially mistaking the store for having around 50 baristas. In reality, these individuals were regional management personnel attending the celebration, not barista staff. Coffee enthusiasts have engaged in considerable discussion regarding the staffing, equipment, and differences between this new flagship and the inaugural one in Xiamen. [more…]

Must you drink alcohol when toasting at a wedding? More and more couples born in the 1990s and 2000s are giving a different answer: replacing baijiu with milk tea. From a Shanghai couple's wedding banquet featuring golden-cup milk tea to the heated discussion of 320,000 posts on social media, this new trend of substituting tea for alcohol is quietly changing the drinking culture at traditional wedding banquets. Why are young people drawn to this approach? And do their elders accept it? This article takes you through this wedding banquet revolution led by new-style tea drinks, and shows how young people are redefining the wedding toast ritual in their own way. [more…]