Japanese coffee chain % Arabica has made its debut in Hungary, opening its first store on Kiraly Street in Budapest.
The store was designed by the Paris-based architectural studio Cigue, which drew inspiration from the city’s traditional thermal baths. The interior features decor crafted by Hungarian ceramics specialist Zsolnay.
“Budapest’s architectural style seamlessly blends Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau influences,” said the design studio.
“Our ethos revolves around preserving the raw beauty of this vaulted space, leaving it untouched to showcase its inherent charm and character.
Peter Szijjarto, minister of foreign affairs and trade, Hungary, said the new % Arabica store would benefit tourism from East Asia and China.
“Last year, we doubled the number of Chinese tourists visiting Hungary, which has now reached pre-pandemic levels, and last year, the number of nights spent in Hungary by Chinese tourists exceeded half a million for the first time,” he added.
“This has contributed greatly to our setting a tourism record, and tourism is making an ever-increasing contribution to the performance of the Hungarian economy.”
Established in 2014 in Kyoto, Japan, % Arabica has expanded to more than 208 stores across 29 markets worldwide.
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