Japanese bakery, a favourite of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, brewing plans for new concept cafes
After his store made headlines following visit by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, businessman now intends to open up cafes serving Japanese coffee in spacious set-up
The co-owner of a Japanese bakery which made headlines after its cookies were bought by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is looking at opening a new chain of concept cafes even as the coffee market in the city gets more competitive.
But high rents are proving an obstacle for Baniel Cheung Tin-sau, just like when he first opened Ginza West, the baked goods store in Wan Chai, two years ago.
The bakery was put in the spotlight earlier this year after Lam made a visit to buy sweet treats for journalists during her election campaign.
Cheung, Ginza West’s director and local representative, plans to open cafes serving Japanese coffee – produced by a joint venture between rivals UCC and Pokka – in a spacious, clean set-up, similar to that found in Apple stores.
Ginza West, which originated in Japan, is famous in Tokyo for its baked goods and coffee, and counts Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito as some of its patrons. Its crispy, multilayered handmade cakes are one of its specialties.
Cheung brought the shop to Hong Kong in 2015, where it is now selling cookies and more on The Avenue, the former Wedding Card Street.
