Interview with the owner, Sato Atsushi
We asked about his commitment to cakes, his feelings towards the shop and the community, and his future goals.
25 years of continuing in a natural state
We have reached the 25th anniversary since opening. Please share your thoughts.
Sato
Since I have always been engaged in making sweets, I don't have a sense of whether 25 years is long or short. Making sweets is now a part of my life.
In my younger days right after opening, there were times when I was concerned about the efforts of other cake shops around me. However, now I value the stance of doing what I want to do in a "natural state" without worrying about others.
A taste that everyone says is "delicious" over individuality
Please tell us about your commitment to cakes and baked goods.
Sato
I am committed to providing something that everyone can enjoy, without selecting a specific customer base.
Sometimes I offer unique products, but I want to provide things that everyone from children to adults can say "delicious".
On the other hand, regarding taste and texture, I create based on what I want to offer.
If I determine that a certain flavor is non-negotiable, I may serve it as is, regardless of customer opinions.
It may seem contradictory, but while I cherish my non-negotiable commitment to taste and texture, I also maintain an attitude of being responsive to customers in other aspects.
Gratitude to the community and challenges for the future
Could you share your thoughts about Mabi and the shop?
Sato
I have lived in Mabi longer than in Yokohama, and I feel that this is my home.
Seeing the nature of Mabi, such as the fields and white herons, brings me great peace.
I feel that Mabi is the place that suits me, and I am happy to be able to work here.
Regarding the shop, when we opened, my wife's parents helped and supported us.
Even though I came from outside, I was supported through acquaintances of my wife's parents, and I was introduced to the land where the shop is currently located, as they said, "I heard there is unused land, why don't you ask?" I have been supported through various encounters.
Please tell us about your future prospects.
Sato
I want to create a signature product that people will say, "This is Wohl-Wollen."
Currently, the fresh roll cake with matcha matsukaze fits that description, but I want more people to know about it.
Similarly, I want to create a signature product for baked goods, and I am currently working on developing new products.
Baked goods have a long shelf life and are suitable for gifts, so they can be enjoyed by people in areas away from Mabi.
To make the shop more widely known, I hope to place baked goods gifts in commercial facilities.
I have various themes I want to try, and honestly, there are times when I think, "Oh, that didn't work out," but looking back, I often think, "That experience was valuable."
I want to continue to challenge myself while enjoying various successes and failures.
Conclusion
During the interview, customers kept coming in, choosing products as they pleased.
What was particularly impressive was the warm response from the staff.
They opened the door for customers whose hands were full, and in the crowded shop, the production staff who came to restock the cakes helped with customer service, moving to ensure customers were not kept waiting.
Not only the cakes but from every corner of the shop, you can feel the warm "thoughtfulness" towards customers.
For special celebrations or as a gift for a loved one.
Please be sure to visit Wohl-Wollen.
Data on Wohl-Wollen
| Name | Wohl-Wollen |
|---|---|
| Address | 538-4 Kawabe, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-0876 |
| Parking | Available 9 spaces |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday If Monday is a holiday, open, and the following day is closed |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Wohl-Wollen |
