Recently, Wuhan's coffee scene has drawn widespread attention because of a customer jokingly nicknamed "Allergy Sister" by netizens. Claiming allergic reactions after drinking, this customer demanded refunds from 41 coffee shops in succession. After the incident came to light, it not only prompted the affected shops to jointly call the police, but also unexpectedly sparked a wave of store-visiting enthusiasm. Many coffee lovers and out-of-town tourists flocked to the shops involved to spend in support, and some shops seized the moment to launch "Allergy Sister's same drink," causing business to pick up noticeably. Is this carnival of traffic, evolved from a negative event, a short-term fad or a long-term turnaround? Let us learn about the ins and outs of the incident and its impact on Wuhan's coffee industry. [more…]

As the world's second-largest coffee-producing country, Vietnam's coffee culture has long been woven into every aspect of everyday street life. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, a railway line that cuts through residential buildings has become a popular photo spot thanks to its unique scenery, and the cafés lining the tracks have drawn even more visitors. However, safety hazards followed, and Vietnam's Ministry of Transport ultimately ordered these coffee shops to close on traffic safety grounds. This article walks you through the rise and fall of this internet-famous attraction, and also recommends Front Street Coffee products so that, while following the story, you can savor authentic coffee flavors. [more…]

After being closed for more than two years due to the pandemic and violations of railway safety regulations, Hanoi's Railway Coffee Street in Vietnam was forced to shut down by authorities just days after it reopened. This railway alley, which is only about one meter from people's homes, once became a popular check-in spot because tourists could drink coffee while watching trains pass through, but train drivers repeatedly had terrifying moments when tourists suddenly rushed onto the tracks. Hoan Kiem District authorities have set up barricades and revoked business licenses, leaving businesses with no choice but to close. The local government said it will study plans that balance safety and tourism needs, while tourists and netizens have been discussing the matter widely. [more…]

In recent years, cafes have become popular check-in spots thanks to their unique locations and exquisite decor, but the management challenges that come with this have also sparked controversy. A cliffside cafe facing the sea in Cangnan County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, has been questioned by some visitors for requiring them to scan a code and make a purchase before being allowed onto the viewing platform to take photos. Why did the shop set this threshold? And what is the attitude of netizens? This article sorts through the whole incident and explores how viral cafes can find a balance between foot traffic and business operations. [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…]

During the May Day holiday, Mixue Bingcheng's headquarters in Zhengzhou, Henan unexpectedly became a popular check-in spot for tourists, with long queues forming outside the flagship store for three consecutive days, and visitors heading straight there with their suitcases. The limited-edition drinks and ice cream sold at the headquarters were affordably priced, attracting a large number of fans eager to experience the atmosphere of the "Snow King's" hometown. However, foot traffic far exceeded expectations, and some customers who had queued for hours found products sold out, while picking up orders and paying also required long waits. This sudden check-in frenzy showcased Mixue Bingcheng's immense popularity nationwide, but also exposed the brand's shortcomings in holiday inventory reserves and staffing arrangements. [more…]

Recently, news came from Nanjing 1912 Block: the Starbucks Reserve store, which has been in business for twenty years, is about to close, and Chayan Yuese, which only moved in last year, has already been the first to withdraw due to the expiration of its lease. The successive departure of these two adjacent stores has left many citizens and tourists feeling regretful. As Nanjing's first Starbucks Reserve store, this Republic of China-style coffee shop was once a popular check-in spot in travel guides, but now it is about to come to an end. Issues such as the expiration and recovery of property rights in the old block, the rise of emerging commercial districts, and parking difficulties have all become focuses of discussion. In any case, this coffee memory that has accompanied people for twenty years is worth savoring in detail. [more…]

Eason Chan's "Under Mount Fuji" turned the Lawson convenience store at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan into a must-visit spot for countless tourists. Recently, after a heavy snowstorm, a Luckin Coffee store next to the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan unexpectedly went viral, dubbed by netizens as the "domestic version of Lawson under Mount Fuji." The blue signage contrasting with the snow-covered Yellow Crane Tower bears a striking resemblance in composition to the Lawson by Mount Fuji, sparking heated discussion on social media. Some praised Luckin for its precise location choice, while others joked that the ice cream cones and fences in front of the store look like a security booth. Behind this snowscape check-in craze, should Luckin really settle up on the promotional fees? Let's take a look at the brilliant comments from netizens. [more…]

Huaihua in Hunan Province quickly went viral on social media thanks to the sincere service of hairstylist Xiaohua, attracting over 200,000 visits in total, with more than 60 specialty shops already set up locally, and the culture and tourism authorities also rolling out supporting perks such as free admission to scenic spots. Amid this wave of traffic-driven dividends, a woman from Guizhou who had originally planned to get a haircut from Xiaohua queued for several days in a row but failed to get a reservation number, so she simply set up a temporary coffee stand beside her self-driving car, serving passersby pour-over coffee and reaching daily sales of around 700 yuan. This impromptu entrepreneurial move sparked heated discussion among netizens, with some praising her creativity and drive, and others questioning whether it was an elaborately planned marketing stunt. [more…]

Mixue Bingcheng has been making frequent moves in the U.S. market. After multiple overseas media outlets reported last month that it would enter New York, the brand has successively put up construction hoardings for two stores in Manhattan's Chinatown and on Broadway, while a third storefront hoarding has also appeared beside Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The three locations are in prime, expensive, and densely trafficked areas, and one of the New York stores is only a few streets away from Luckin Coffee, sparking heated discussion among netizens. All three stores are currently in the renovation stage and are expected to open by the end of the year or early next year. Whether Mixue Bingcheng can continue its domestic low-price strategy and whether it will adjust pricing overseas has become a focal point of attention. [more…]

Sitting by the window in a café, sipping coffee while watching the scenery outside, is a cozy image cherished by many. Blue Bottle Coffee's Shinagawa branch, with its entire north-facing glass curtain wall, offers a panoramic view of the surging crowds of commuters at Shinagawa Station, yet it unexpectedly went viral as a "corporate slave observation café." A large number of tourists come specifically to photograph the black torrent of suited commuters outside the window, sparking discontent and complaints from the photographed office workers. The shop subsequently posted a rare notice, asking customers not to photograph the commuter scene below. This "no outdoor photography" reminder not only failed to quell the enthusiasm for checking in but instead stirred up even more curiosity. This article will take you through the unique situation of this store and the controversies and amusing anecdotes surrounding it. [more…]

As autumn arrives, a ginkgo-themed café in Shanghai's Lujiazui has quickly gone viral on social media. The ground covered in golden fallen leaves and the Korean-style ambiance have captured the hearts of countless netizens, who have rushed to visit and take photos. However, reality has left many crying foul — the leaves haven't turned yellow, the place is packed with people, the queues are endless, and the online photos are seriously at odds with the actual scene. Is this the work of filters, or simply bad timing? This article takes you through the truth behind this photo-op frenzy and explores the phenomenon behind café check-in culture. [more…]

Recently, a Chagee store on Taiping Street in Changsha suddenly closed, sparking widespread discussion online. The store had only opened in May this year, yet after just about half a year in operation, its signage was removed and equipment was moved out. Chagee had previously withdrawn from the Changsha market due to fierce competition in the tea beverage industry, made a high-profile return at the end of last year, and now has closed a store again, prompting speculation about its business condition and market strategy. Some residents reported that the store had sparse foot traffic, and business at other branches was also mediocre. The reasons for the closure may involve multiple factors such as profitability pressure, rental costs, and competition from local brands. Chagee currently still has more than fifty stores in Changsha, and consumers can go to other locations to make purchases. [more…]

A small shop in Nanjing called "Aunt Han's Sugarcane Juice" quickly became famous online for its 10-yuan pour-over coffee. The owner, Aunt Han, brews it on the spot using three sticks of Nescafe instant coffee, attracting a large number of young people to line up and check in. Less than 48 hours after it went viral, Nescafe instant coffee sold out, and there was even a shortage of boiling water. Aunt Han said that although the coffee business is low-profit but high-volume, she has always done business honestly. As traffic poured in, the phenomenon of insincere customers skipping out on payment also drew attention. Nescafe officially responded quickly, not only changing the product promotion cover to "the same coffee as Nanjing's 10-yuan granny," but also arranging free offline supply and inviting Aunt Han to participate in a livestream. Front Street Coffee continues to follow this incident and bring readers the latest report. [more…]

Recently, a %Arabica store in Shanghai's Fengsheng Li suddenly posted a closure notice, announcing that due to a brand strategy adjustment, it would cease operations on August 5, 2024. This store had only opened in February of this year and was once %Arabica's first location to offer ceramic dine-in cups, blending old Shanghai's Haipai style; customers could also blend coffee beans under the guidance of baristas and observe the roasting process. However, after just half a year, the store quietly exited, shocking many loyal customers. Nearby residents pointed out that the area around Fengsheng Li is densely packed with coffee shops and competition is extremely fierce, with brands such as Blue Bottle Coffee, Luckin, and Manner standing in abundance, plus limited foot traffic on weekdays, so this %Arabica's departure may be understandable. [more…]

The chain coffee brand Mstand recently officially announced that it will open its first store in Kyoto, Japan, located near the famous scenic spot Nanzenji. Surprisingly, this new store is just across the street from the Nanzenji store of the specialty coffee pioneer Blue Bottle Coffee, sparking lively discussion online. Some people look forward to Mstand's overseas expansion bringing limited-edition events, while others question its location strategy, believing that opening a store next to a benchmark like Blue Bottle Coffee is admirable in courage but carries considerable risk. This article sorts out the ins and outs of the incident, presents views from all sides, and also pays attention to the developments of brands such as Front Street Coffee. [more…]

As the Spring Festival approaches, the chain coffee brand %Arabica announced the opening of its first store in Henan, but unexpectedly, this new store did not land in a shopping mall in the provincial capital Zhengzhou, but instead established itself in a Qing Dynasty ancient residential courtyard near Weipo Village near Luoyang. The strong contrast between the ancient architecture and the modern minimalist decor quickly attracted a large number of coffee enthusiasts to drive over and visit, with foot traffic packed to capacity during the Spring Festival. However, the ensuing issues of excessively long wait times, chaotic order inside the store, and lattes not being made with latte art also sparked controversy. Some netizens pointed out that the store is actually a pop-up shop and is expected to close in May this year, suggesting that people visit during off-peak times. [more…]

During the National Day holiday, while coffee shops in major scenic spots were welcoming peak customer traffic, a Starbucks next to Kunming's Cuihu Lake quietly closed its doors. This lakeside store, regarded by many regulars as a "study base", had its doors locked without warning, with construction barriers erected and brand signage removed. Reasons for the closure are varied: rising rent, an expired lease not renewed, the premises sublet to another brand, and even landlord legal disputes and the entire building being auctioned. Meanwhile, Kunming's Jinjun Plaza store and Xudong K9 Center store also suspended operations one after another, sparking speculation about the brand adjusting its local layout. For regulars, what is lost is not just a cup of coffee, but a daily memory accompanied by lake views. This article will sort through the course of events and the accounts of various parties, and retain relevant Front Street Coffee product and recommendation information. [more…]

Tea Yan Yue Se's sub-brand Xiao Shen Xian Teahouse has recently officially bid farewell to the Wuhan market, with its two remaining stores closing simultaneously on January 19. From its high-profile entry in 2023 to its full withdrawal now, this sub-brand focused on the concept of a Chinese-style slow teahouse has had a three-year journey in Wuhan that is lamentable. The contradiction between consumers' habit of pursuing fast and convenient tea drinks and the slow-paced teahouse experience, along with the operating pressure caused by insufficient customer flow on weekdays, together contributed to this outcome. At the same time, Xiao Shen Xian Teahouse in its Changsha home base is also contracting and adjusting, and the brand's optimization of the sub-brand's store scale was already expected. [more…]

A chain coffee shop in Guangzhou, store by .jpg, located on the 41st floor of an office building, quickly went viral on social media because customers can take photos with Canton Tower up close. The average spending is low and no reservation is required—just register at the front desk and you can go upstairs to take photos—attracting a large number of young people to come and check in. However, the resulting elevator congestion and occupied public areas have made office workers in the building miserable. The property management subsequently limited the number of daily tickets and removed the lounge chairs and tables. How will this high-altitude coffee craze ultimately end? [more…]