Interview with the owner of cafe Pomelo, Kato Ayame
In January 2025, Kato Ayame opened Pomelo and handles almost all tasks from menu planning, preparation, customer service, to managing social media by herself.
In her previous job, she worked for 9 and a half years at a cafe that served fruit parfaits and sweets, and even served as the manager at one point.
We asked Kato about her journey so far and her current thoughts.
Skills and experiences learned in previous job
What kind of work did you do in your previous job?
Kato (honorific omitted)
I worked at a fruit cafe located in the Bikan Historical Area. I was involved in menu planning and also plated the sweets.
I also served as the manager for a period and had the experience of going to other stores to think about their management strategies.
I feel that the skills necessary for running a cafe were acquired in my previous job.
You have accumulated various experiences. Were you a fruit lover from the time you joined?
Kato
I wasn't originally a big fan of fruits.
However, while working at the cafe, I realized the goodness of fruits. Fruits have a charm that can only be tasted in that season, you know? Therefore, I want to create opportunities for people to enjoy them during their peak seasons.
The motivation for independence: "I want to deliver more to the locals"
Why did you decide to become independent?
Kato
My previous job was at a store in the Bikan Historical Area, so there were many tourist customers. However, I started to feel that I wanted to deliver to a wider variety of people, especially the locals.
Also, when a new store was being established, I had the experience of thinking about the interior design and what products would sell. At that time, I also developed the feeling that, "I might like this, I want to try it myself".
However, I struggled quite a bit when it came time to quit my job.
At that time, I talked to a photographer I was working with and they encouraged me, saying, "It's better to act when you feel like you want to try it yourself".
Challenges possible because of sharing space
Did you consider operating in a shared space from the beginning?
Kato
I originally planned to rent a physical store. However, there weren't any good properties available, and I just happened to find a place where I could share space.
However, I think it has been good to try operating in a shared space. I can try various things, receive feedback from customers, and then try even more different things.
At first, I was worried about whether customers would come due to the location being far from the station. However, I realized that people actually come by car only after I started operating.
Having more free time due to fewer operating days might also be a good point. I visit other cafes for inspiration in store creation and menu planning.
I want to be able to deliver fruits from farmers in the future
Please tell us your future goals.
Kato
My goal is to have a physical store.
It may be a bit off-topic, but I particularly enjoy hearing farmers' passion for fruit production and I want to source fruits from them.
However, since I operate in a shared space, the amount of fruit I can use for the menu is not large. Therefore, I feel it would be difficult to do business with farmers who cannot provide small quantities.
That’s why I would be happy if I could have a physical store, operate daily, and deliver fruits from farmers.
Enjoy a wonderful cafe time with Pomelo's sweets
I want to deliver seasonal fruits to the local community.
With such thoughts, Kato became independent. It was impressive to see her managing Pomelo while utilizing the skills she acquired in her previous job. The sweets born from her trial and error, while receiving customer feedback, can only be tasted at Pomelo.
The menu incorporating seasonal fruits changes every month, so please check Instagram and be sure to visit.
Data about cafe Pomelo
| Name | cafe Pomelo |
|---|---|
| Address | 467-11 Nishinakada, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available 10 spaces in front of the store |
| Business Hours | Announced on Instagram |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Possible Reservations can be made via Instagram DM Menu items can also be reserved |
| Seating | One table for 2, one for 3, one for 6, and 5 counter seats |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | One children's chair available |
| Barrier-Free | Ramp There are stairs in front of the store, but entry is possible from the terrace side via a ramp |
| Website | Official Instagram of cafe Pomelo |
