The global coffee phenomenon that is % Arabica has just opened its first store in Mexico, the 25th country in which the Japanese company has a footprint.
Specializing in premium varieties of coffee, % Arabica is renowned for serving the world’s finest coffee beans, and making perfect, yet simple, barista brews while sourcing largely from small farms for their unique blend, as well as single-origin beans from around the world.
Founded by Kenneth Shoji in 2013, % Arabica opened its global flagship store in Kyoto, Japan in 2014, and has since gained a devoted following thanks to its exceptional coffee and simple, timeless store design. The brand rapidly expanded globally, with locations in 25 countries in North America, Asia, Europe and Middle East and 192 stores worldwide.
Premium coffee beans are sourced from small farms across the globe, and custom roasted in-house.
Shoji was inspired to start % Arabica after realizing he wanted an amazing cup of coffee every day, and to live a simple and down-to-earth life which would allow him and his family to travel and learn about new places and cultures. To learn the coffee business, he borrowed money to purchase a coffee farm in Hawaii, then started a green bean trading company, exported Japanese coffee roasting machines and then became a distributor for Slayer.
With this experience under his belt, he launched % Arabica, led by his vision to grow the brand across the world, which is reflected in the company’s motto, “See the World Through Coffee.”
Matcha coffee is one of the offerings at % Arabica in Mexico City.
“My first goal is to become a sustainable global coffee brand by having our footprint all over the world, but with curated selections and locations,” says Senji. “These days, the business trend is to grow rapidly and seek for a buy-out. But my Japanese heritage steers me away from that kind of mentality. I’ll grow this brand carefully and pass it on to my sons, so the next goal is to become a timeless, long-lasting coffee brand.”
Situated within the prestigious Condesa DF Hotel, the new Mexico City store intertwines Japan’s legacy with the vibrant local culture, offering a carefully curated menu that spans espresso-based coffees, specialty lattes, drip coffees, matcha, and much more specialty offerings in an elegant and minimalist space with a Japanese-inspired atmosphere, reminiscent of Kyoto. So far, the newcomer has been a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Like all stores around the globe, the Mexico City shop has a state-of-the-art Japanese coffee … [+]
Every % Arabica store around the world stocks a variety of premium green coffee beans to be custom roasted in house, using a state-of-the-art Japanese coffee roaster. It only takes five minutes to deliver a perfect, fragrant bag of coffee, made fresh to each customer’s specifications.
“We are thrilled to bring the % Arabica experience to Mexico City, a city vibrant with culture, passion and a deep love for coffee,” says Shoji. “Our debut in Condesa DF holds profound significance, intertwining two rich cultural heritages in a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions. It not only expands the coffee landscape but also deepens the cultural connection between Mexico and Japan, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in the artistry of Japanese coffee amidst the enchanting backdrop of Mexico City’s cultural mosaic.”