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Culture

“We already have a partner who is in the coffee Target Customer
business before we actually open velayenn. But still, we Tom’s shop targets middle to upper markets.
consulted a friend, the owner of Ink&Lion, about the shop However, the coffee is not expensive and regular office
concept, and he suggested that we should go full-speed employees can easily afford a cup. “We don’t want to set
ahead on the combined bike and coffee shop. We have a the price too high and sell just a few cups. That would be
separate management team for the shop, one for the bike bad,” Tom said, and added that, “this branch is our concept
shop and one for the café. However, the 2 businesses can store, so it might not be as perfect as we pictured. It’s a
blend together well. For example, bike shop customers good opportunity to learn. When we are good enough to
can sit down for a cup of coffee while exchanging their look for a good coffee bean and origin, there would be
experiences. Both businesses support one another well, so more action in our plan. I’m planning to build a beauty
we don’t have to push the sale of either one. The rent in institute with a great café in the same building by 2016.”
Tonglor is very expensive, and combining the businesses Also located in Tonglor, velayenn welcomes a mix
helps both businesses to do well,” Jung said. of customers, including foreigners and cyclists. “Cyclists
For Toy Café & Relax, the shop highlights its mas- usually plan their trip in advance – where they want to go
sage service and the quality organic coffee. Tuk learnt and what they want to do. Our shop serves coffee and a
the coffee side of the business, from brewing, to man- relaxing space alongside bicycle, so you can sit down and
agement, from her brother who is already in the coffee chat about bicycle with friends while enjoying coffee,”
industry. “Having 2 businesses is a plus because café Jung explained about velayenn’s customers. The shop
customers can become a massage customer and vice also added healthy smoothies to the menu, and will be
versa. However, some customers don’t like the concept introducing breakfast that focuses on healthy living in the
because, for them, a massage shop should feel like a near future. “It’s hard to find a good breakfast. We want
massage shop the moment they walk in. They might feel to give a healthy option for those who go for a bike ride in
a bit unfamiliar to find a café on the ground floor, and the morning or anyone looking for a healthy meal. That’s
have to get upstairs to get a massage. Nonetheless, some why we also added a cozy garden area.”
customers do like our style.” “Our customers are middle to upper markets because
we serve organic coffee. They are mostly coffee enthusi-
astic adults. We open from 11 AM to midnight because
people usually get off their job around 5-6 PM. By the
time they can get through the traffic, most massage shops
would already be closed, and the shops would be crowded
in the weekend. That’s why we open until late at night. As
for the café, we have food menu as well, and we are adding
more menu choices in the future,” Tuk said.

Siriluck Mahachantanaporn :
Velayenn

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