Coffee is a necessity––more so, it’s a lifestyle. This philosophy would most likely chime with Kenneth Shoji, founder and creative director of %Arabica, who dreams of coming across “unique lands and cultures of the world” with the shared love of coffee. Now, he is adding Toronto as his next stop.
Named after a coffee bean of a unique aroma and flavour, the first %Arabica is coming to Yorkdale Shopping Centre in early 2022. Meanwhile, the second location is slated to come to Toronto's Union Station around June 2022, according to the company's social media.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Shoji fell in love with the laid-back, hippie culture while studying in Venice Beach, Calif. during the 1990s. It was the time when Starbucks was blooming in every block, and Shoji enjoyed spending his days in their jazz-infused environment that has later inspired his own business. After graduation, he had set foot in over 70 countries as a seasoned traveler. His own experience with people from many walks of life across cultures helped him decide what he wanted to do with his life. In 2014, he opened the %Arabica’s flagship store in Kyoto upon purchasing a coffee farm in Hawaii. Since then, it has swept over the world and opened 104 locations in 17 countries, including China, Morocco, Kuwait, Thailand, France, the UK and more.
“We are so thrilled to be coming to Canada,” the company said over social media. “We are excited to share our love for coffee and design with the Canadian market and offer a truly unique coffee experience.”
Unlike other coffee chains that offer many byproducts, the independent coffee brand is dedicated to, as you might have guessed, coffee. You can find only an espresso, macchiato, latte and Americano from their menu. You can also purchase their selected coffee beans and mix them for a one of a kind experience.
Dedication aside, %Arabica also stands out with their striking interiors. Since its opening, it has swooned coffee lovers with their simplicity and open concept design. As Shoji said in his philosophy, %Arabica really is about his “love for coffee, design and seeing the world.”
