Interview with Ayame Kato, owner of cafe Pomelo
Ayame Kato opened Pomelo in January 2025 and handles almost every aspect of the business herself, from creating the menu and preparing ingredients to serving customers and managing social media.
In her previous job, she worked for nine and a half years at a cafe serving fruit parfaits and sweets, and even served as the manager for a time.
We asked Kato about her journey so far and her thoughts today.
Skills and experience gained in her previous job
What kind of work did you do in your previous job?
Kato (surname omitted)
I worked at a fruit cafe in the Bikan Historical Area. I came up with menu items and also plated the sweets myself.
I also served as a manager for a time, and visited other locations to think about each store’s business strategy.
I feel that I gained the skills needed to run a cafe in my previous job.
You’ve had a wide range of experiences. Did you like fruit from the time you started there?
Kato
I wasn’t particularly fond of fruit to begin with.
But while working at my previous cafe, I came to appreciate the appeal of fruit. One of the great things about fruit is that you can only enjoy it during its season. That’s why I’d like to create opportunities for people to enjoy it when it’s in season.
The desire to “bring it to more local people” inspired her to go independent
Why did you decide to go independent?
Kato
My previous workplace was in the Bikan Historical Area, so many of our customers were tourists. But I came to feel that I wanted to reach more people, especially local residents.
I also had the experience of working on the interior design and considering what kinds of products would sell when a new store was opening. That was when I began to think, “Maybe I like this; I want to try doing it myself.”
But I agonized over quitting my job.
At the time, I talked it over with a photographer I worked with, and they encouraged me, saying, “When you feel you want to try doing it yourself, you should take action.”
Challenges made possible by operating in a shared space
Had you planned to operate in a shared space from the beginning?
Kato
I had actually planned to rent my own storefront. But I couldn’t find a good property, and then I happened to find a place where I could operate in a shared space.
Still, I’m glad I tried operating in a shared space. I can try different things, get feedback from customers, and then try something else.
At first, I was worried customers wouldn’t come because the location is far from the station. But I only realized after opening that people would come by car.
Having more free time because we’re open fewer days may also be a good thing. I visit other cafes for ideas on how to run my shop and think about the menu.
She hopes to bring farmers’ fruit to customers in the future
What are your goals for the future?
Kato
My goal is to have my own storefront.
This is a bit of a tangent, but I love hearing farmers talk, especially about their passion for growing fruit, and I’d like to source fruit from them.
However, since I operate in a shared space only a few days a week, I don’t use much fruit in my menu. So I feel it would be difficult to do business with farmers unless they’re willing to sell in small quantities.
That’s why I’d be happy if I could have my own storefront, open every day, and bring farmers’ fruit to customers.
Enjoy a lovely cafe break with Pomelo’s sweets
She wants to bring seasonal fruit to local people, too.
Kato went independent with this goal in mind. It was impressive to see her run Pomelo by making use of the skills she gained in her previous job. The sweets, created through trial and error while taking customer feedback into account, can only be enjoyed at Pomelo.
The menu featuring seasonal fruit changes every month, so check Instagram and be sure to visit.
cafe Pomelo details
| Name | cafe Pomelo |
|---|---|
| Address | 467-11 Nishinakashinden, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available 10 spaces in front of the shop |
| Hours | Announced on Instagram |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Reservations can be made via Instagram DM Menu items can also be reserved |
| Seating | One table each for 2, 3, and 6 people, plus 5 counter seats |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Child-friendly | One child’s chair available |
| Accessibility | Ramp There are steps in front of the shop; customers can enter via the ramp on the terrace side |
| Website | cafe Pomelo official Instagram |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
