Interview with Store Manager Mai Moriya
I spoke with Mai Moriya, the store manager of Marugo Deli Sansute Kurashiki, about the features of the newly created café space and the recommended points of the menu.
About the Renewal
Can you tell us about the trigger for the renewal?
Moriya
Since the opening, I have always wanted to create a space where customers can sit down and enjoy their drinks leisurely.
Until now, we only had about three seats in front of the register, and it was almost like a takeout-only situation. At that time, the adjacent space became available, and I was approached by Sansute, which was the trigger for the renewal.
Can you tell us about the features of the café space?
Moriya
The concept is a space where you can relax like in your own room.
I chose each piece of furniture in the store, and I actually have some tables that I used at home. Many of the lamps and small items are also things I used at home.
Although it is located inside the station, it is in a slightly tucked-away spot, so I hope customers can enjoy a leisurely time here, feeling like it is a hidden gem known only to a few.
I Want You to Enjoy the Taste of the Ingredients
What do you prioritize when making juice?
Moriya
I want customers to taste the ingredients themselves.
I aim for a flavor that is simple yet rich in fruit, one that seeps into the body and makes you feel genuinely delicious.
The new sweets also use fruits, right?
Moriya
For the sweets, I am conscious of using freshly squeezed fruit juice, making the fruit the star of the dish.
I have always enjoyed making sweets and have sold them individually, so I am having fun with the sweet-making process. However, I am not a professional patissier, so I am starting slowly while thinking about what customers might want.
Gratitude to Farmers
I hear you have a deep connection with farmers.
Moriya
During the peach season, I personally go to the farmers to pick up the fruits.
At a farm run by an elderly couple, I sometimes use fruits that would otherwise be discarded.
I also enjoy thinking about how to shape the local blessings, such as melons grown by my childhood friend and fruits brought by farmers I am connected with.
When providing juices that delight customers, I cannot forget my gratitude to the farmers who grow the fruits.
Events Utilizing the Space
I heard you are hosting an event called the Silent Book Club.
Moriya
I started it in March 2026 at the suggestion of my brother, who works at a publishing company.
It is an event where people bring their favorite books and quietly enjoy reading, and it is actually an event that is held worldwide. Our store is one of the venues.
It has been very popular, filling up quickly each time, and it has fostered connections among book lovers.
I hear you also participated in the Kurashiki Afternoon Tea.
Moriya
This is my first time participating, and from July 1 to September 30, 2026, you can enjoy a special sweets set using fruits.
I am not a patissier, so it has been a continuous trial and error, but I have packed in delicious items made with care, such as sweets from FLOURS BAKE LINE and white peaches and Asomori melons.
I Want to Create a Place Where Positive Circulation Occurs
What kind of store do you want to create in the future?
Moriya
I hope this place becomes a connection point for people and the community.
I want customers to take a moment to relax with drinks and sweets, and for producers to hear the feedback of "it was delicious." That feedback will become a driving force for the next creation.
I would be happy if such positive circulation spreads.
Many customers come with children, so I envision a scene where connections are made from parent to child, and then that child becomes a parent, passing it on to the next generation.
Now that we have a café space, I also want this place to be a starting point for new interactions, gradually expanding the world. There are various ideas, such as displaying works as a gallery or collaborating to hold lunch events.
Rather than leading something myself, I want to be a supportive presence that quietly backs and watches over everyone's activities while being responsive to what is needed.
Please give a message to the readers.
Moriya
The words I receive from customers, "I revived after drinking the juice," motivate me every day. When they say it was delicious, I feel energized in return.
I want to continue delivering a cup that allows everyone to feel at ease.
Conclusion
The renewed café space not only showcases the deliciousness of fruits but also offers a comfortable environment where people can connect with one another.
While enjoying the blessings of Okayama, please take your time to relax.
Data on Marugo Deli Sansute Kurashiki
| Name | Marugo Deli Sansute Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 2F Sansute Kurashiki |
| Contact | 086-424-0905 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:45 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | None If Sansute Kurashiki is closed, we will be closed as well |
| Payment Methods |
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| Seats | 15 seats |
| Website | Marugo Deli Sansute Kurashiki |
