The Re-Up Chinese cafe in Beijing is part of the 'Spoonful of Sugar' project, which aims to handle the country's issues with over-consumption in creative ways. The cafe itself puts an immense amount of focus on upcycling, making use of natural materials that are a reflection of local history. What used to be a run-down Art Deco-style building is now a bustling space that is the place to go for food and connecting with the community, especially since the cafe hosts and sells artwork by local talent.
Just as the interior of the cafe is a blend of old and new, so are the menu items that bring modern twists to classic dishes. All of the snacks served at Re-Up are prepared in-house, meaning that there's less waste created on a daily basis.
Ecological Chinese Cafes
This Chinese Cafe Puts an Emphasis on Building Community & Upcycling
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Cafes - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to create cafes that prioritize upcycling and use natural materials to reflect local history.
2. Community-driven Cafes - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to develop cafes that focus on building community and connecting people through shared spaces and local talent.
3. Sustainable Snack Preparation - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to design snack preparation methods that minimize waste by preparing all snacks in-house.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the hospitality industry to create eco-friendly cafes that prioritize upcycling and community-building.
2. Art and Culture - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the art and culture industry to collaborate with cafes in showcasing and selling local artwork, creating a hub for artistic expression.
3. Food and Beverage - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food and beverage industry to develop sustainable snack preparation methods that minimize waste and prioritize in-house preparation.