Café chain % Arabica is gradually taking over the world. The minimalist coffee shop giant currently has 33 stores in 10 countries, and evidently the brand has plans to expand to another 20 countries soon. In fact, % Arabica is opening 30 to 40 stores this year alone. Yikes. So the news that the original coffee shop in Discovery Bay is closing its doors for the last time this week comes with no small amount of sadness.
While % Arabica may have boomed only after launching in Kyoto, where it took Japan’s coffee culture by storm, Discovery Bay is where the brand’s story began. The shop opened there in February 2013, bringing craft coffee to the small beach community, although the crowds weren't as outrageous then as they are at its other branches now (see: Kennedy Town). But now this shop is closing down to allow the team to focus on long-term growth and expansion out of a larger office just down the road in Discovery Bay.
Visit the OG % Arabica this Saturday, April 27, to bid farewell and show your support. There will be a small party from 11am-4pm, with coffee, wine and small bites on the menu.