Interview with the owner of CAFE BRIDGE, Takeuchi Yuya
I wanted to become a bridge to convey delicious coffee after encountering it
Could you tell us about how you decided to start a café?
Takeuchi
I originally liked going to coffee shops and cafés, and I visited various places in and out of Okayama Prefecture as a hobby. About 5 to 6 years ago, I encountered delicious coffee, and that was the beginning.
I realized how delicious coffee could be, and I became more and more hooked, which led me to visit various coffee shops to study coffee.
Then, I met my current mentor at "Tomioka Coffee" in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, and I thought, "I want to convey delicious coffee someday and become a bridge."
What was the reason for opening your shop in Mabi?
Takeuchi
When I decided to open my own shop, I looked at various properties in Kurashiki City. I couldn't find a property that I was satisfied with, but the last real estate agent I met was a good person, and I thought I would rent from him.
He suggested, "How about Mabi?" and that was the trigger.
I hadn't been able to visit Mabi for a while after volunteering there right after the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, as a friend had a family home there.
After being recommended the property, I started thinking about Mabi. When I actually visited the place, I thought the atmosphere was nice, and I decided to go for it.
The shop's commitment is to custom-made coffee, one cup at a time. Be sure to enjoy it with Dutch baby
Could you tell us about your commitment to coffee?
Takeuchi
I offer coffee in three types: hand drip, French press, and AeroPress, but I mostly serve it using hand drip because it is easier to adjust to the customer's preferences.
The shop's commitment is custom-made coffee, one cup at a time. I serve it according to the mood of the day, the weather, and the customer's coffee preferences.
For example, on rainy days, people tend to feel down. So, I try not to make the coffee too stimulating and lower the temperature a bit.
Coffee is delicate and profound.
What made you decide to offer Dutch baby as the signature menu item?
Takeuchi
There wasn't a specialty shop for Dutch baby in Okayama.
Also, since my shop focuses on coffee, I can offer both sweet and savory dishes that pair well with coffee.
Many customers come specifically for the Dutch baby.
Opened in Mabi about six months ago, I received a lot of help from many people
It has been six months since the shop opened, but could you share some challenges you faced, such as those due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Takeuchi
In April 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of customers significantly decreased, and it was tough... However, I am truly grateful that it became busy from the Golden Week in May.
In May, many people utilized takeout.
What are the good things about starting a shop in Mabi?
Takeuchi
The best thing about starting a shop here is that the owners of the surrounding restaurants are all nice people, and I have become friends with them.
Even though I am an outsider from outside Mabi, they have often reached out to me since the construction of my shop.
Once, when President Kawahara of Sanuki Udon Kawahara came to visit while I was busy with my shop, he helped me out. I was very grateful and happy.
Also, the customers in Mabi are very warm. During the tough times due to COVID-19, regulars from Mabi came every day.
Their words, "I'll come every day during this tough time," and "I'm supporting you," really saved me.
I truly think it was great to open a shop in Mabi.
Future of CAFE BRIDGE
Finally, could you share your outlook for the future of the shop?
Takeuchi
I haven't thought much about the future yet, but I want more people to know about this shop, "CAFE BRIDGE."
Continuing as a coffee-focused shop, I hope to provide what suits each person while allowing various people to enjoy different ways of experiencing coffee.
Conclusion
The owner, Takeuchi, casually greets the customers who visit the shop.
CAFE BRIDGE, a new spot in Mabi that is gradually expanding as a place where various people can gather.
Why not visit this café, where meals and drinks are provided with heartfelt care, in search of your own preferred taste?
You are sure to find your own "favorite" here.
Data of CAFE BRIDGE
| Name | CAFE BRIDGE |
|---|---|
| Address | 94 Arii, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080-7102-9785 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last order at 4:30 PM) |
| Regular Holiday | Tuesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seats | 14 seats Counter seats: 4 seats Table seats: 10 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | CAFE BRIDGE (Instagram) |
