Interview with Tatsuya Fujii, the manager of CAFE＆DINING GLITTER
The background of starting a business in Mabi
Please tell us the reason you decided to start a business in Mabi.
Fujii
I am from Soja, and there was a hair salon in Arii, Mabi that I had been visiting for many years since high school.
That hair salon was affected by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, and everything around it was gone... However, it was restored and reopened about 3 to 4 months after the disaster. It was really quick.
And I started going to that hair salon again.
I had been working in restaurants in Kurashiki City, but I started to think about becoming independent, and I talked about it at that hair salon.
Then, the staff at the hair salon said, "It would be helpful if you could operate nearby."
"There used to be many cafes, but all the cafes I used to go to are gone. It would be great if you could run a restaurant in Mabi," they said.
That was the trigger for me.
Please tell us the origin of the name "GLITTER."
Fujii
"GLITTER" means "to shine" or "to sparkle."
I named it with the hope that things that were lost in Mabi due to the disaster would come back.
Commitment to creating a stylish space
I really like the stylish and unique atmosphere of the store. Please tell us about your commitment to creating the store.
Fujii
Most of the small items and furniture in the store are sourced from "Zakka to Antique Umineko," which is run by my family.
I used furniture imported by my father from overseas and put a lot of effort into creating a calm space.
Must-try dishes: Bisei pork and homemade sweets that change with the seasons
Please tell us your recommended menu items.
Fujii
Since "Umineko" is located in Bisei-cho, Ibara City, I source Bisei pork directly from the processing plant in Bisei-cho, cutting it by parts.
Directly sourcing Bisei pork is what I highlight as the signature of my restaurant.
As for desserts, I create and offer seasonal menus. For example, a white peach parfait when white peaches are in season, and zenzai (sweet red bean soup) or hot drinks in winter.
This is one of the things I focus on.
The benefits of starting the business
You opened your restaurant in April 2020, which was a very challenging time due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share your struggles at the time of opening and any positive experiences you had.
Fujii
Honestly, it was tough in April and May 2020 right after opening. I did takeout and shortened business hours. However, gradually, regular customers started to increase. I am truly grateful for that.
The good thing is when people say, "The food was delicious." That is the most rewarding thing for me.
I also put a lot of effort into the interior design, so I often hear people say, "The interior is stylish," which makes me happy.
I am also grateful that people who visited once liked it, and the number of repeat customers is increasing.
Future of GLITTER
Do you have any plans for the future?
Fujii
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to do it right now, but I am thinking it would be nice to hold cooking classes for making sweets using the store during its free hours.
If there are people who want to use the store, it would be great if I could eventually offer it for workshops and other uses.
Conclusion
Manager Fujii expresses, "I want people to enjoy it in a wide range of scenes."
It is recommended for solo visitors, friends, family, dates, and girls' gatherings.
"GLITTER" is filled with the desire to "do something for someone."
Why not visit this cafe in Mabi, where another gentle glow has been lit, and enjoy delicious food and sweets?
Data on CAFE＆DINING GLITTER
| Name | CAFE＆DINING GLITTER |
|---|---|
| Address | 94 Arii, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-8073 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order: 4:30 PM) 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 25 seats Counter seats: 5 Table seats: 20 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | CAFE＆DINING GLITTER |
