Recently, consumers reported that a Starbucks store locked the seats in its outdoor area with combination locks during business hours, preventing customers from sitting down normally, which sparked widespread discussion online. The store involved is the Starbucks at Aegean Shopping Park in Dali, Yunnan. Employees responded that this measure was truly a last resort, mainly to prevent tables and chairs from being taken away by passersby during closing hours. The shopping mall stated that outdoor facilities are managed by the store itself, while Starbucks customer service apologized and promised to improve service. This article reviews the incident, the responses from all parties, and retains recommendations related to the Front Street brand for coffee enthusiasts to learn about. [more…]

For coffee lovers, daily caffeine intake is almost a necessity. However, traditional instant coffee requires hot water to brew, which is inconvenient for outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts. The Swiss brand No Normal Coffee, based in Zurich, has launched a coffee paste shaped like a paint tube. By squeezing it, you get soluble espresso concentrate that can be brewed with hot water, spread directly on food, or even squeezed into the mouth to eat. This product debuted at the ISPO trade show in Munich and won an award. Priced at $18, it has attracted attention in the outdoor community for its practicality and portability, receiving more than 700 orders in its first week. [more…]

Over the past weekend, a large outdoor coffee market in Fuzhou attracted hundreds of brands, but temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius, even approaching 40 degrees, turned what was meant to be a relaxing coffee gathering into something far less pleasant. Although the organizers adjusted the event hours to the evening and took some cooling measures, the temperature difference between the inner and outer areas was stark. Vendors in the outer area felt as if they were trapped in a steamer, while visitors complained repeatedly about unclear signage and insufficient lighting. When holding outdoor events in extreme weather, there is clearly still considerable room for improvement in heatstroke prevention plans and on-site management. [more…]

Recently, a strong cold front swept across China from north to south, hitting North China first before strong winds continued southward, dispersing the earlier muggy heat in South China. On this cool weekend, Nanning in Guangxi and Ningbo in Zhejiang each hosted outdoor coffee festivals, attracting many residents to visit and check in. However, the weather did not cooperate, and both events were hit by sudden fierce winds. Tents on site were uprooted, stall facilities were overturned, and the losses were heavy. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The meteorological observatory had issued a strong wind warning in advance, but the organizers did not adjust the event arrangements or take effective emergency measures, triggering widespread public questioning online. This article will take you through what happened at these two outdoor coffee festivals and discuss issues related to safety management for outdoor events. [more…]

Recently, at a Starbucks store in Baolong Plaza, Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, the outdoor seating area was occupied for a long time by several elderly people who not only chatted and rested there, but also gathered to play cards and mahjong, creating noise and refusing to give up seats, seriously disrupting the store's normal operations and other customers' experience. After repeated ineffective requests to leave, the staff chose to call the police, who arrived to mediate, and most of the elderly left that day. The mall stated that it had communicated with relevant departments and planned to guide these elderly people to a senior service center to rest. The incident sparked heated discussion online, with most people supporting the store's approach to maintaining order, and lawyers also pointed out that if the elderly make loud noises or play cards affecting others, they may violate the Public Security Administration Punishments Law. As a well-known coffee brand, Starbucks' store order management has once again become a public focus, and Front Street Coffee reminds consumers to enjoy the coffee space civilly. [more…]

The Manner Xuhui Riverside store was once a trendy spot for photos thanks to its riverside views and exquisite decor, but recently customers have noticed that the sofa cushions in its second-floor outdoor area are severely moldy, the chair cushions are stained, the doors are damaged in several places, and the signage is rusted. From the gingerbread man-themed store it co-branded with Jo Malone last November to its now dilapidated facilities, a span of only three months, the store's environment has prompted consumers to question Manner's operational and management capabilities. Netizens believe the outdoor facilities lack routine maintenance, affecting the consumer experience and brand image, and are calling on the store to maintain basic cleanliness and keep facilities in proper working order. [more…]

Recently, an Mstand store in Dongguan, Guangdong, was forced to operate as a temporary stall in an outdoor walkway due to adjustments in the mall's business layout, drawing widespread attention online. This "shabbiest" Mstand, with no glass curtain wall around it, unexpectedly took on a unique camping-style vibe. Some found it cool and atmospheric, while others felt sorry for the staff working long hours in the 12°C cold wind. The incident reflects the impact of commercial adjustments on store operations and also draws attention to the real situation of coffee workers. Front Street Coffee has always followed developments in the coffee industry and brings you frontline observations. [more…]

Cold brew is popular not only because it tastes good, but also because it's convenient—make a batch, keep it in the fridge for days, and enjoy a cup anytime, anywhere. But different scenarios actually have different requirements for the beans: for the office, you need something that keeps well and is consistent; for camping, you want concentrated flavor that won't taste weak over ice; and for home, you can go all out. [more…]

In the height of summer, Luckin Coffee stores have once again become a hot topic on social media due to their excessively strong air conditioning. Many customers complain that stepping in to pick up their coffee feels like walking into an icehouse, and some have even caught colds from the freezing conditions. What exactly causes Luckin's air conditioning to be set as low as 16°C? Why can employees remain so calm and composed in such an environment? Starting from real customer experiences, combined with insect-prevention considerations revealed by employees and the spatial characteristics of the stores, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the causal logic behind the Luckin "icehouse" phenomenon, while also offering coffee lovers a summer store-visit reference. [more…]

Recently, a Starbucks store in Hefei, Anhui Province, took down its outdoor parasols and removed the seats on a rainy day, prompting a customer to film a video and question whether the store was "shooing people away." The incident quickly sparked heated discussion online: some agreed with the store's safety-minded approach, while others felt that removing the chairs was lacking in human warmth. The Starbucks store manager explained to the shopping mall that the parasols posed a safety hazard after absorbing water, but did not explain why all the chairs had to be moved back inside. As coffee lovers, we might as well use this incident as a starting point to talk about the balance between outdoor space management and customer experience at coffee shops. Front Street Coffee has always paid attention to detail-oriented service in coffee consumption scenarios, and this article walks you through the entire incident and the views of various parties. [more…]

Hario has departed from its minimalist Japanese style and teamed up with the cartoon IP Sad Frog PEPE to launch a camping-themed product series. The collaboration includes two sets, among which the Outdoor Enjoyment Set features a PEPE limited-edition color No. 01 resin dripper and a limited-edition outdoor filter paper pack. The dripper adds green elements to a transparent resin base, making it especially eye-catching under light and drawing attention from pour-over enthusiasts. The official presale campaign uses "Filter Out Sadness" as its topic, and the packaging is presented in comic form. Users have already posted their purchases, with mixed reviews—some say it looks great, while others question its lack of practicality. This collaboration once again confirms that the coffee sector is becoming a popular choice for brand crossovers. [more…]

The coffee consumption boom continues to heat up, and even outdoor sports brands can no longer resist trying their hand at crossing over. French outdoor brand Decathlon recently opened its first coffee corner inside its Shanghai Wujiaochang store, formally stepping onto the coffee track. During the opening period, customers who bought drinks in-store could take part in a giveaway of limited-edition camping cups, drawing a large number of consumers to visit and check in. However, the huge turnout also exposed a lack of operational experience, with frequent problems such as the online mini-program crashing, stores being overwhelmed with orders, and one-hour queues. In addition to regular coffee, the Decathlon coffee corner has also launched sports-themed special drinks that match the brand's tone, with prices following an affordable approach. Whether this kind of crossover play can be sustained is worth watching. [more…]

For friends who love coffee but are often on the go, how to enjoy a freshly brewed cup while traveling has always been a challenge. The portable mini hand-press coffee maker was born precisely for this purpose—compact in size and simple in structure, yet capable of easily completing an espresso extraction outdoors. Through actual use, this article will demonstrate in detail the operation process and extraction performance of this device, from loading grounds and pouring water to pressing out the liquid, verifying step by step whether it can reproduce the rich taste of an espresso machine. If you are also looking for a lightweight outdoor coffee solution, why not follow our steps and see its true strength for yourself. The article also recommends Front Street Classic Blend and Commercial Blend coffee beans that pair well with it. [more…]

The moka pot, with its ability to be heated directly and its low barrier to operation, has become a popular pressure-extraction device for camping and home use. However, to achieve ideal flavor expression, the roast level of the coffee beans, the grind size, and the quality of the pot are all crucial. This article will start from the structural principles of the moka pot, explain why medium-dark to dark roasted beans are more suitable, and provide specific single-origin and blend recommendations from the Front Street brand. It also includes the complete operating steps from pouring water and filling coffee grounds to finishing heating, helping coffee enthusiasts stably extract a full and rounded espresso outdoors or at home. [more…]

In the past, people used to drink coffee during the day and avoid caffeine at night to prevent it from affecting their sleep. However, as the coffee-drinking crowd continues to grow, a night coffee culture of drinking later and later is quietly emerging among young people. On a commercial street in Guangdong, 14 coffee shops of different styles are clustered within less than a hundred meters. After 9 p.m., every seat is taken, and the bustle is no less lively than a food night market. Some stores stay open until the early morning or even operate 24 hours without closing, and revenue from 8 p.m. to the early morning can account for more than 70 percent of the whole day's sales. This "small shop + outdoor" business format satisfies both the essential daytime demand and the nighttime social scenario, and also offers boutique coffee shops a new way to seek growth amid fierce competition. [more…]

More and more coffee enthusiasts are being drawn to moka pots by the outdoor camping trend, but in practice they often run into problems of weak or bitter, burnt coffee. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article systematically explains the moka pot's structure and working principles, the key conditions for producing crema, the suitable choice of coffee beans, and the complete process from grinding to heating. Key points include: why you should choose fresh dark-roasted beans, how to judge the water level in the lower chamber, how to control the pressure when filling and tamping the filter basket, and how to judge the heat level and the timing to turn off the stove, along with recommendations for two Front Street beans suited to moka pots, helping you consistently make a rich, full-bodied espresso at home or outdoors. [more…]

As the autumn and winter camping season arrives, the moka pot has once again become a popular piece of gear for outdoor coffee lovers. But when shopping for one, besides brand and capacity, the differences between single-valve and double-valve models, and what roast level of coffee beans pairs best with them, are questions you can't avoid. This article starts from the extraction principle of the moka pot, explaining why medium-dark roasted beans suit this device better, and introduces the specific differences between single-valve and double-valve models in their pressure mechanisms. At the same time, for enthusiasts who prefer rich crema or floral and fruity flavors, the article also recommends two matching bean options from Front Street Coffee, helping you easily make a satisfying cup of moka coffee even outdoors. [more…]

As camping becomes increasingly popular among the younger generation, many people bring coffee gear that can be heated directly on a portable gas stove to enhance the atmosphere of outdoor activities. As a result, the moka pot has become one of the must-have coffee tools for many camping enthusiasts. One reason the moka pot is so popular is that it can be [more…]

As camping gains popularity among the younger generation, many people bring coffee gear that can be heated directly on a portable gas stove to enhance the outdoor atmosphere, making the moka pot one of the must-have coffee devices for many camping enthusiasts. One reason the moka pot is so popular is that it can be placed directly on [more…]

A viral photo spot at Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, known as "a scallion plucked from dry land," has recently been exposed as being cordoned off by a local café, requiring tourists to make a purchase before they can enter to take photos, sparking discontent among outdoor enthusiasts who reported it. After investigation, the local market supervision bureau confirmed that the café has no business license and has ordered it to suspend operations for rectification. This free viewing platform near the Feilaisi observation deck became famous for offering views of the magnificent scene of golden sunshine on the snow mountain, but has now become embroiled in controversy due to commercial activity. The incident has also raised public concerns about damage to the natural environment and safety hazards. [more…]