Revolutionizing Cafe Design: The & Dough Story

Aiji Inoue's Unique Approach to Franchise Cafe Design

The & Dough cafe, a donut cafe brand newly developed by a client with 1,300-doughnut shop brand stores headquartered in Japan, is a testament to Inoue's innovative approach to design. The designer's focus on the relationship between the purchase counter and the kitchen, a strength of the client, is one of the first characteristic points of this cafe. A wall and balanced-sash-window setup enable control of the distance between customers and staff members, making the customer flow smoother.

Uniqueness is a crucial element for franchise operation, particularly in the highly competitive cafe category. Inoue's design for & Dough reflects this, with a unique counter style that guides customers from the tray to the products, the cash register, the condiments, and finally, their seats. This streamlined process enhances the customer experience, setting the cafe apart from its competitors.

Inoue's design also incorporates three kinds of combination for the shelves - shelves to stock things, shelves with blinds, and shelves with graphic sheets attached to the transparent glass. These unique properties add to the cafe's aesthetic appeal, further enhancing its uniqueness.

The design process for & Dough began in March 2015 in Japan and concluded with the grand opening of the cafe in Tokyo in October 2015. The project involved a team of experts, including Seawind Inc. for custom-made furniture and Hasegawa Architecture lighting lab for custom-made Pendant light.

The & Dough cafe design has been recognized with the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. It is a testament to Inoue's innovative approach to cafe design and his ability to create a unique and engaging customer experience.