Japanese specialty coffee brand % Arabica has opened its first British Columbia café at CF Richmond Centre, introducing Metro Vancouver to the minimalist design, handcrafted beverages, and global aesthetic that have defined the chain’s rise to international prominence. The location represents a meaningful moment in the company’s Canadian expansion, which continues to advance through development partner Accencis Group. For founder and Creative Director Kenneth Shoji, Richmond marks a key step in shaping the brand’s long-term presence across the west coast.
The Richmond café arrives after the brand’s successful Whistler debut in 2024 and an extremely popular downtown Vancouver pop-up that drew considerable attention earlier this year. With stores already operating across Toronto and the GTA, the brand has steadily grown its Canadian profile since entering the market in late 2022. Shoji described the Richmond launch as both strategic and symbolic in terms of anchoring the brand in British Columbia.
“Opening our first permanent Metro Vancouver café at CF Richmond Centre is an important step in our Canadian journey,” he said. “After Whistler and our successful downtown pop-up, Richmond allows us to build a long-term home for our community and bring our handcrafted coffee to a wider audience.”
The new café occupies the former Starbucks space near the food court escalators. The high-visibility unit offered the flow, natural light, and overall scale required to showcase the brand’s approach to calm, intentional café design. Shoji said the selection was deliberate. “We chose CF Richmond Centre because it is a vibrant, well-connected location with strong local coffee culture,” he explained. “The former Starbucks space offers the visibility and room we need to create a beautiful % Arabica experience in the middle of a busy mall.”
A Distinct Architectural Statement in a West Coast Setting
One of the defining features of any % Arabica location is its design, shaped by a Kyoto-rooted aesthetic that emphasizes precision, quietness, and minimalism. At the same time, the brand regularly adapts each café to its surroundings. The Richmond location reflects this philosophy through a sculptural façade inspired by a Kamakura, a traditional snow dome found in northern Japan. Its rounded form helps filter sunlight while introducing a symbolic visual anchor inside the mall’s galleria.
The concept divides the storefront into two seamless facades, each connected through a continuous curve that guides guests toward the order counter and pickup area. The resulting effect is a compact but visually striking presence within the shopping centre. It also supports an open view of the barista bar, where guests can observe drinks prepared by hand.
“Our design approach is intentional and rooted in a desire to create spaces that feel calm and elegant,” Shoji said. “The Richmond café reflects this vision, blending our Kyoto heritage with the character of the west coast.”
The design team, led by Shohei Suzuki and Chika Yamagami, focused on clear lines of movement, uninterrupted sightlines and a façade that stands out in the mall without overwhelming it. The goal was to create a sculptural form that embodies % Arabica’s worldview while remaining practical for daily operations.
Signature Beverages With a Global Following
The menu at CF Richmond Centre features many of % Arabica’s globally popular beverages, including the Kyoto Latte, Spanish Latte and Maple Latte. These drinks have become staples for the brand worldwide, celebrated for their balance of technique and ingredients.
“Yes, our beloved classics like the Kyoto Latte, Spanish Latte and Maple Latte will be part of the menu for Vancouver,” said Shoji. “These signatures are cherished by fans around the world, and we are excited to share them here.”
While the brand remains committed to global consistency, Shoji noted that % Arabica takes inspiration from each community it enters. However, he emphasized that any local adaptations remain restrained and aligned with the brand’s focus on craft.
“At % Arabica, we stay true to our identity as a specialty coffee brand that values simplicity and perfection,” he explained. “Any local twists will always respect the purity and elegance that define our approach. Our goal is not to overwhelm the menu but to ensure every item is thoughtful, consistent and unforgettable.”
This focus reflects the brand’s longstanding analogy of specialty coffee to refined sushi, where technique and ingredients carry equal weight. The company also continues its tradition of sourcing high-quality beans, often roasted in-house, to maintain control over flavour and consistency.
Creating a Smooth Guest Experience in a High-Traffic Mall
One of the clearest learnings from % Arabica’s downtown Vancouver pop-up was the need for a choreographed customer flow during busy periods. The temporary location attracted lengthy lineups, which underscored the necessity of a layout that can maintain calmness even during rush times.
“At % Arabica, we know that great coffee begins with a calm, welcoming environment,” Shoji said. “The response to our downtown pop-up helped us refine how we manage flow during peak hours.”
The Richmond café incorporates a streamlined order and pickup system designed to move customers efficiently while preserving handcrafted quality. Highly trained baristas prepare drinks in full view of guests, and the layout uses clear zones for ordering, waiting and receiving drinks to avoid congestion. Shoji said the intention is to give mall visitors a moment of quiet in an otherwise high-energy setting.
“Even in a busy mall, we want guests to experience the same calm, intentional, beautifully crafted moment that defines % Arabica worldwide,” he noted.
The format at CF Richmond Centre is a full-service café rather than a kiosk model, allowing guests to watch beverages prepared with precision at the barista bar’s centrepiece equipment.
Establishing a National Presence
The Richmond opening builds on % Arabica’s strong performance in Canada since its arrival in 2022. The brand established its flagship Canadian store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in December of that year, followed by a high-profile café at Union Station in 2023. In December 2024, the chain opened at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, reinforcing its strategy of positioning cafés in major retail destinations.
In 2025, the company opened locations at CF Sherway Gardens and Square One Shopping Centre, each featuring localized design themes that drew attention for their unique interpretations of the brand’s aesthetic. These openings have helped build national recognition, with Canadian consumers responding strongly to the chain’s focus on simplicity, quality and design.
“The reception across Canada has been incredibly positive,” Shoji said. “From Yorkdale and Union Station to Whistler and the GTA, guests have embraced our handcrafted approach and calm café experience.”
This widespread interest has shaped the brand’s strategy in British Columbia, where it sees significant opportunity for long-term growth. Shoji said that Canadians consistently value three things in a café experience: quality, consistency and warm service. These insights are guiding the development of the company’s growing presence in Metro Vancouver.
More Metro Vancouver Stores Coming
The CF Richmond Centre café is only the beginning for % Arabica’s west coast expansion. The company has already confirmed that its next Metro Vancouver location will open at Oakridge Park, one of the region’s most ambitious redevelopment projects. Shoji said the café is scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year.
“Definitely we will be opening new locations,” he confirmed. “Our next location is Oakridge Park, and we are always on the lookout for beautiful spaces that match % Arabica standards.”
The company has also indicated interest in transit-oriented hubs and neighbourhoods that reflect the cultural and architectural diversity of the region. Each future location will carry both the brand’s global design cues and subtle elements inspired by its surroundings.
Connecting Kyoto Craft With Vancouver’s Multicultural Spirit
While % Arabica’s architectural and beverage programs are central to the brand, Shoji said the heart of the company lies in its philosophy of travel, connection and community. This perspective informs the brand’s presence in every market, and Vancouver’s multicultural identity made the city a natural fit.
“At % Arabica, our philosophy is rooted in a love for coffee, design and exploring the world. Our mission has always been to see the world through coffee,” Shoji explained. “Vancouver is a city where cultures connect, where creativity thrives, and where café life plays a meaningful role in bringing people together.”
For Shoji, each café serves as a bridge between Kyoto heritage and local expression. He said the company hopes guests experience both familiarity and discovery when they visit % Arabica in Richmond.
“Every cup we serve carries a story,” he said. “We hope guests feel a sense of home or a memory of where they came from, or excitement for where they are going. Because wherever you are, a cup of % Arabica can reflect the taste of your hometown or open a window to the world.”
Shoji added that the brand aims to create spaces where people pause, share conversations and see life a little differently. “This is what it means to see the world through coffee,” he said. “We are excited to see Vancouver through yours.”
Your posts 🚀 always give me fresh new ideas to think about
This is incredibly valuable information! Thanks for sharing 💎