Interview with .KOMBINAT General Manager Fujiwara
.KOMBINAT opened in October 2021.
We interviewed General Manager Shinya Fujiwara and asked him about the restaurant and his feelings about Kurashiki.
Could you tell us how the business got started?
Fujiwara (surname only)
I originally ran a restaurant called “72cafe.”
As 72cafe got on track, I thought I would eventually like to expand the business.
I considered opening near JR Kurashiki Station, but there were no properties available at all.
Then one day, while riding my bicycle looking for a property, I spotted the words “Kurashiki Redevelopment Association” right in front of me.
They were holding a meeting at the time, so I asked them about it and requested to be allowed to participate.
That’s how the business got started.
What makes your restaurant special?
Fujiwara
The owner used to work at the Mizushima Industrial Complex, so it seems to hold special meaning for him.
Most people think of Kurashiki as the Bikan Historical Area, but we also felt that the Mizushima Industrial Complex is something that represents Kurashiki, which is how we came up with “.KOMBINAT.”
Since Kurashiki has many Japanese-style elements, we designed the space to blend Kurashiki’s traditional Japanese style with the industrial elements of the Mizushima Industrial Complex.
Industrial: meaning relating to industry
What are your signature dishes or popular menu items?
Fujiwara
As for food, pizza is definitely the most popular.
We pay close attention to the ingredients, blending domestically produced flour and using cheese imported from Italy.
We bake it in a dedicated pizza oven.
There is also demand for takeout due to COVID-19, so we offer pizza to go as well.
What do you value about the restaurant, and what do you find rewarding?
Fujiwara
It’s rewarding when we come up with ideas and systems to attract customers, and the staff on the floor carry them out and achieve results.
I believe that generating a solid profit also helps improve the lives of all our employees.
Did the impact of COVID-19 mean things turned out differently from what you initially expected?
Fujiwara
Yes, honestly, there were various things we hadn’t anticipated.
Even so, we are committed to generating sales.
Every restaurant is in the same difficult situation, which is why we have to keep that in mind.
If we don’t have regular customers, we have to work to gain them; I believe there is always something we can do.
I think it’s important for each person to think for themselves and share the same mindset.
Do you have any goals for the future or anything you’d like to try?
Fujiwara
I’d also like to further develop Kurashiki Afternoon Tea.
Before that, since we’re located at Achi Terrace Kurashiki, we need to help make Achi Terrace itself more lively.
I believe that making Achi Terrace more lively will bring more energy to the area in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
At this time of year, I’d like to frequently organize and participate in markets, creating an environment that draws people here.
I think that will help the restaurant grow as well, and get people interested in finding out which company runs it.
From the Writer
Isho-do, which has run restaurants such as “72cafe,” created .KOMBINAT with the Mizushima industrial complex as its inspiration.
Hearing General Manager Fujiwara’s passion for the restaurant, we could feel his desire to “energize the area in front of JR Kurashiki Station by making the restaurant thrive.”
If you visit Kurashiki, why not stop by .KOMBINAT, where you can experience the Mizushima Industrial Complex, as well as the Bikan Historical Area?
.KOMBINAT (Dot Kombinat) Information
| Name | .KOMBINAT (Dot Kombinat) |
|---|---|
| Address | 124, North Building, Achi Terrace Kurashiki, 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-5000 |
| Parking | Available Achi Terrace Kurashiki Municipal Parking Lot (paid) |
| Hours | 11:30 a.m.–2:00 a.m. the following day |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Available Please bring a smartphone, as orders are placed by smartphone |
| Seating | 92 seats: 62 indoors + 30 terrace seats |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | .KOMBINAT Isho-do Co., Ltd. |
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