Interview with the Manager
We spoke with the manager at LUCIAS about the restaurant.
Could you tell us how LUCIAS came to open?
Manager (title omitted)
LUCIAS opened in February 2023.
This was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people and the food service industry as a whole were struggling. The owner was inspired by the desire to “create a place that brightens people’s hearts and gives them hope.”
The owner wants to “bring fun and surprises to the people in the community.” LUCIAS was created as a place of hospitality to bring that vision to life.
What does the name “LUCIAS” mean?
Manager
“LUCIAS” (pronounced “Lucias”) is a coined word.
It is based on “Lucia,” which originally means “a bright future.”
The “shi” and “a” in the name represent “happiness,” while the “a” and “s” were added to express the wish to “move toward the future,” giving the name “LUCIAS.”
The star above the “i” in the logo also represents a lighthouse. It expresses the wish to be a presence that brightens people’s futures, like the light of a lighthouse.
Why do you also sell clothing in the restaurant?
Manager
The owner has always loved clothes.
They are especially particular about choosing quality items with excellent materials, comfort, and functionality.
As many shops closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and places to buy quality products became fewer, the owner came to feel, “I want to share the things I love with our customers.”
Today, the shop imports mainly European brands directly. We hope you’ll enjoy discovering clothes you love while relaxing at the cafe.
Bringing something the owner had always loved to life led to the distinctive LUCIAS style of “a cafe and clothing shop combined.”
How do customers respond?
Manager
Many are surprised to find such well-known brands in a cafe. They enjoy browsing the products while having a meal.
All the items we carry are new, but some are from previous seasons, so some are discounted by 50% or more off the original price. Also, most of the clothes are one-of-a-kind, so we hope you’ll enjoy the treasure-hunt-like experience of finding a favorite piece.
The piano in the restaurant is striking.
Manager
I have studied piano since childhood. In addition to teaching music, I have pursued a wide range of activities, including performing at restaurants and care facilities and holding concerts.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been fewer places to enjoy live music. Thanks to a fortunate connection, I now share live music with customers here. Many people tell me “That was wonderful” after a performance, and some even share their impressions with tears in their eyes.
I have also seen people who don’t know each other grow closer through music, and people moved as they listen to songs that bring back memories. Some customers smile and say, “I’ll come again,” and every day I feel grateful for the connections that music brings.
It made me realize once again that “music has the power to connect people.”
The smiles and happiness our customers share with us motivate our staff and encourage us to create an even more comfortable space.
Finally, what message would you like to share with people who haven’t heard of LUCIAS yet?
Manager
Digitalization has been advancing recently, but I believe the importance of human connection and communication will never change. LUCIAS is a somewhat unusual restaurant where you can also find clothes and enjoy music.
We always create the restaurant with our customers in mind, so they can step away from their daily routines and enjoy a relaxing time.
We want this to be a place where you feel glad you came, so please feel free to stop by.
From the Writer
Food, atmosphere, music, and human connection.
When you feel a little tired amid your busy everyday life.
When you want a small treat for yourself.
When you want to spend a relaxing time with someone special.
LUCIAS may be a place that comes to mind in moments like these.
Like the light of a lighthouse that inspired the restaurant’s name, the desire to “offer experiences that exceed customers’ expectations, even just a little” could be felt throughout the place.
At LUCIAS, a peaceful atmosphere fills the senses and gently lifts the heart. We hope you’ll come and experience it for yourself.
LUCIAS Information
| Name | LUCIAS |
|---|---|
| Address | 526-1 Hakuraku-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-9977 |
| Parking | Available 16 spaces |
| Hours | [Monday–Thursday] 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. [Friday, Saturday, and days before holidays] 9:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. [Sunday] 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ※Lunch hours are 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (last order 8:00 p.m.) |
| Closed | None |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 42 seats |
| Website | LUCIAS |
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