Interview with Yuya Takeuchi, owner of CAFE BRIDGE
Discovering delicious coffee inspired him to become a bridge for sharing it with others
Could you tell us what led you to start a cafe?
Takeuchi
I’ve always liked going to coffee shops and cafes, and as a hobby I visited shops both in and outside Okayama Prefecture. It all began about five or six years ago, when I discovered delicious coffee.
I was amazed that coffee could taste so good, and became more and more hooked. I started visiting all kinds of coffee shops to learn about coffee.
Then, at Tomioka Coffee in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, I met my current mentor and began to think, “Someday, I want to share delicious coffee with people and become a bridge for doing so.”
What led you to open your shop in Mabi?
Takeuchi
When I decided to open my own shop, I looked at various properties around Kurashiki City. I couldn’t find one I was satisfied with, but the real estate agent I met at the end was a good person, and I decided I wanted to rent from him.
He was the one who suggested, “How about Mabi?”
I hadn’t been back to Mabi for a while after visiting to volunteer soon after the July 2018 heavy rains, because a friend’s family home was there.
After he recommended the property, I started thinking about Mabi. When I actually visited this location, I liked the atmosphere and decided on it.
The shop’s specialty is coffee made to order, one cup at a time. Enjoy it with a Dutch baby
Could you tell us what you focus on when it comes to coffee?
Takeuchi
We serve coffee in three ways: hand-drip, French press, and AeroPress. Since hand-drip makes it easier to adjust to each customer’s preferences, we serve it mostly by hand-drip.
Our specialty is coffee made to order, one cup at a time. We prepare it to suit the customer’s mood, the weather, and their coffee preferences.
For example, rainy days can make you feel gloomy. So we avoid making the coffee too strong and lower the temperature a little, too.
Coffee is delicate and has so much depth.
What made you decide to serve Dutch babies, the shop’s signature dish?
Takeuchi
There wasn’t a Dutch baby specialty shop in Okayama.
Also, since coffee is the main focus of our shop, we can offer both sweets and meals that go well with coffee.
Quite a few customers come specifically for the Dutch babies.
About six months after opening in Mabi, he has received help from many people
It’s been six months since the shop opened. Could you tell us about any difficulties you’ve faced, including the impact of COVID-19?
Takeuchi
In April 2020, the impact of COVID-19 caused a significant drop in customers, and things were tough… But thankfully, we got busy starting with Golden Week in May.
Many people used our takeout service in May.
What has been good about starting your shop in Mabi?
Takeuchi
The best thing about opening here is that the owners of the surrounding restaurants are all wonderful people, and we’ve become good friends.
Even though I’m an outsider who came from outside Mabi, people often stopped to talk to me, starting from when the shop was being built.
Once, when President Kawahara of Sanuki Udon Kawahara, which happens to be on the same property, came by to visit, my shop was busy. I was rushing around, and President Kawahara even helped me out. I was so grateful and happy.
The customers in Mabi are also very warm and welcoming. When the shop was having a hard time because of COVID-19, our regular customers from Mabi came in every day.
Their words, “It’s a tough time, so I’ll come every day,” and “We’re rooting for you,” really helped me through it.
I’m truly glad I opened a shop here in Mabi.
The future of CAFE BRIDGE
Finally, could you tell us about your hopes for the shop’s future?
Takeuchi
I haven’t really thought too far ahead yet, but I’d like more people to learn about my shop, CAFE BRIDGE.
I hope to continue focusing on coffee and offer different ways for all kinds of people to enjoy it, while providing each person with what suits them.
From the Writer
Owner Takeuchi warmly chats with the customers who visit the shop.
CAFE BRIDGE is a new spot in Mabi that is gradually becoming a place where all kinds of people can gather.
Why not visit this cafe, where meals and drinks are served with heartfelt care to each customer, and find a flavor that suits you?
You’re sure to find a new favorite that’s just for you.
CAFE BRIDGE details
| Name | CAFE BRIDGE |
|---|---|
| Address | 94 Arii, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080‐7102‐9785 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last order 4:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 14 seats Counter seats: 4 Table seats: 10 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | CAFE BRIDGE (Instagram) |
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