Interview with Mr. Kazuno, owner of "BAR Kurashiki capri"
The reason for starting a restaurant
First, could you tell us what motivated you to start your shop?
Kazuno
Thirteen years ago, in 2006, I was working as a salaryman in sales. When I began to question my continued work in an organization, I happened to see a sign that said, "Free café class: We will support you until you open your business."
I remembered that I really liked the atmosphere of pure coffee shops and went to talk to the coffee shop that had the sign.
Although it has since closed in 2019, I was taken to a popular café in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, called "Coffee CLUB," which was well-known back in 2006. The moment I entered this shop, I was captivated by the space and thought, "Ah, I want to run a shop like this."
I had no knowledge or experience in running a restaurant, but I made up my mind and quit my job.
The background of taking over the café "Café Capri"
So that coffee shop was the trigger. Did you face any difficulties before starting your own shop?
Kazuno
From there, I started working at a shop run by someone else who had also quit their job to start a business, and within two months, I was able to manage the shop on my own. Because I had a strong desire to run my own shop, I studied hard.
At that time, the owner of the coffee shop I was working at decided to close, and I was approached by the owner of the coffee company.
The name of that café was "Café Capri," located in Minami Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. I took over the name of the shop, and the opening as an owner change became my first shop.
Fortunately, the opening went smoothly. I think I was lucky.
The background of relocating and opening "cafe capri + Dining Bar"
After that, you relocated your shop to Tonnya-cho, right?
Kazuno
The first shop was a café, but as I continued running the shop, I started to feel that I wanted to do more, and it began to feel cramped. So, when a space opened up on the second floor of a building owned by an acquaintance, it met my conditions for a larger space, and I decided to relocate.
In August 2013, I relocated and opened "cafe capri + Dining Bar" in Tonnya-cho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.
After running a café and dining bar, relocating and opening "BAR Kurashiki Station capri"
Why did you decide to relocate and change the format to this location near Kurashiki Station?
Kazuno
Hearing about the changes in Tonnya-cho made me start thinking about the future prospects of my shop and considering a relocation.
I reached out to acquaintances, and one of the places they introduced me to was this location. The proximity to Kurashiki Station was good, but this street had little foot traffic. After much deliberation, I decided to turn it into a bar.
Having continued the business under the name "Capri" for over ten years, the name had become somewhat established.
While keeping the name "Capri," I thought about incorporating the local name "Kurashiki," considering that many customers would be tourists or business travelers, and opened in January 2018 under the name "BAR Kurashiki capri."
Since "Capri" has regular customers, there are still popular menu items like "coffee" and "French toast".
I still use the iron and lighting fixtures from the previous shop, so some customers come here and feel nostalgic.
The shop's commitment to "relaxation"
Please tell us about your commitment to the shop.
Kazuno
Since the founding, the shop's theme has always been "relaxation."
During the café days, I wanted customers to relax with coffee. Now, I focus on creating a space that allows customers to relax as much as possible.
The best relaxation at "BAR Kurashiki capri" is when customers sit at the counter. I want them to enjoy a relaxing time while having conversations across the counter.
This shop has three types of seating: table seats for café-style use, counter seats for a typical bar experience, and loft seats that provide a space where customers can feel at home.
Moments of fulfillment, having customers who "come to see me"
What gives you a sense of fulfillment while running the shop?
Kazuno
The owner of the coffee company once told me, "The way you create the shop, the space, and the menu will attract regular customers. However, ultimately, customers are drawn to the people."
Hearing that, I thought that if customers were attached to the staff, including myself, it would lead to a long-lasting shop.
I feel fulfilled when customers come to see my staff at my shop.
When customers come in on their day off, and they say, "That staff member is great because of this," it truly makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment.
Future prospects for the shop
Finally, could you share your future prospects for the shop?
Kazuno
I have been running a single shop all this time, but I am interested in having multiple locations.
What can be done varies depending on the location, such as near the station or in the suburbs. I am also interested in businesses that sell products or in the beauty industry, so I am thinking about how to provide enjoyment to a wide range of customers.
Conclusion
This is a bar run by Mr. Kazuno, who wants customers to enjoy their time slowly.
I have been to the dining bar that opened in Tonnya-cho, and I remember that the entrance had a glass shelf, which was a very interesting feature.
I remember feeling the desire to entertain customers and the comfort of the shop.
I was able to touch the feelings of the owner encapsulated in the name "Capri" and the feelings of the customers who frequent the shop, which made me an even bigger fan of the shop.
Would you like to spend a pleasant time at a shop where the charming staff, including Mr. Kazuno, welcomes you?
Data for BAR Kurashiki capri
| Name | BAR Kurashiki capri |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-14-23 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086‐489-1374 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 7:00 PM – LAST |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays Check Instagram stories for business days |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | Total seats: 17 Counter: 5 seats Table: 8 seats (4 tables for 2 people) Sofa (2nd floor loft): about 4 seats Private party capacity: 10 to 17 people Maximum number of guests for banquets: 17 seated |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | BAR Kurashiki capri |
Photography: Yuuki Watanabe (Instagram)