Interview with the Manager
I spoke with the manager about the store at LUCIAS.
Can you tell us about the background of opening LUCIAS?
Manager
LUCIAS opened in February 2023.
During a time when many people and the entire food and beverage industry were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the owner thought, "I want to create a place that brightens people's hearts and gives them a sense of hope."
The owner has a desire to deliver fun and surprises to the local community. LUCIAS was born as a "place of hospitality" to shape that desire.
What is the meaning behind the name "LUCIAS"?
Manager
"LUCIAS" is a coined term.
Originally, "Lucia" means "bright future," and it is based on that.
Additionally, we added "shi" and "a," which mean "happiness," and "a" and "su," which convey the idea of "moving towards the future," resulting in the name "LUCIAS."
Moreover, the star above the "i" in the logo is inspired by a lighthouse. It embodies the wish to be a presence that brightly illuminates people's futures, like the light of a lighthouse.
Why do you sell apparel in the store?
Manager
The owner has always loved clothes.
They are particularly particular about choosing good items that excel in material, comfort, and functionality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many stores closed, and the places to purchase good products decreased, which led to the desire to "deliver what I love to customers."
Currently, we mainly import European brands directly. I hope customers can enjoy discovering their favorite clothes while relaxing in the café.
As a result of shaping what the owner originally loved, the current style of LUCIAS, where café and apparel come together, was born.
What has been the customers' reaction?
Manager
Many customers are surprised to see "such brand-name items in a café." They enjoy the experience of looking at products while having a meal.
All the products we handle are new, but since there are items from last season, some are discounted by more than 50% off the regular price. Additionally, since most of the clothes are one-of-a-kind, I hope customers can enjoy the thrill of finding their favorite piece like a treasure hunt.
The piano in the store is impressive.
Manager
I have been learning piano since childhood and have been active in various fields, including teaching music, performing at restaurants and welfare facilities, and holding concerts.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been fewer places to enjoy live performances. By chance, I am now delivering live music to customers here. After performances, many people tell me, "It was great," and some even express their feelings with tears in their eyes.
I have also seen how music can bring people closer together, even among strangers, and how they are moved by listening to songs that hold memories. Some customers smile and say, "I'll come again," and I feel grateful for the connections that music creates every day.
I have come to realize that music has the power to connect people.
The smiles and happiness we receive from customers motivate our staff and encourage us to create an even more comfortable space.
Finally, please give a message to those who do not yet know LUCIAS.
Manager
Recently, digitalization has progressed, but I believe the importance of connections and communication between people will not change. LUCIAS is a somewhat unique store that, while being a restaurant, also has clothes and offers music.
We are always creating the store from the customer's perspective so that they can spend a relaxing time away from their daily lives.
I want it to be a place where customers feel, "I'm glad I came," so please feel free to drop by.
Conclusion
Food, space, music, and connections with people.
When you feel a little tired in your busy daily life.
When you want a small reward for yourself.
When you want to spend time slowly with someone important.
LUCIAS might be the place you want to remember during those times.
Like the light of a lighthouse, which is the origin of the store's name, I felt the desire to "deliver experiences that exceed customers' expectations" throughout this store.
At LUCIAS, a calm time flows that satisfies the five senses and lightens the heart. Please come and visit.
Data on LUCIAS
| Name | LUCIAS |
|---|---|
| Address | 526-1 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-9977 |
| Parking | Available 16 cars |
| Business Hours | 【Monday to Thursday】 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM 【Friday, Saturday, and the day before holidays】 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM 【Sunday】 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM *Lunch time is from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | None |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 42 seats |
| Website | LUCIAS |
