"Providing New Experiences" Specialized Stores Attracting Consumer Visits

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The food and dining industry is strengthening the competitiveness of offline stores to capture dining demand following the phased return to normal life (With Corona). This is based on the expectation that outings will increase as restrictions on business hours and gathering sizes are lifted, along with a rise in year-end dinners, events, and various gatherings. In particular, ‘specialized stores’ offering fresh experiences different from the usual have recently attracted consumer attention due to previously limited outdoor activities.

According to industry sources on the 28th, Jeong Food recently opened ‘Nelbosco Italian Restaurant’ in the Namchon area next to Seoul-ro 7017, a newly developed cultural street, where guests can enjoy gourmet food and music together. Nelbosco, meaning ‘in the forest’ in Italian, was created to offer a refined Italian casual brunch and dishes made with healthy ingredients in a comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of a quiet forest in the city. Head Chef Kang Ju-hyung, a graduate of the international Italian culinary school ‘Alma,’ provides a lively reinterpretation of Italian home-style brunches suitable for light enjoyment to full dining menus, delivering a special gourmet pleasure. During dinner hours, live performances under the concept of ‘Concert in the Forest’ are also planned. The Nelbosco building has three floors: the first floor houses ‘Nelbosco Namchon Bakery,’ specializing in bakery and beverages, and the second floor features ‘Nelbosco Italian Restaurant,’ allowing customers to enjoy meals and tea time all in one building.

A representative from Jeong Food said, “Following the opening of ‘Nelbosco Namchon Bakery,’ specializing in fresh bakery and beverages in June, we have introduced the refined dining experience of ‘Nelbosco Italian Restaurant.’ We will continue to provide consumers with healthy and new gourmet experiences and strive to establish Nelbosco as a complex cultural space.”

Dunkin, operated by BR Korea, a subsidiary of SPC Group, recently opened its flagship store ‘Dunkin Live’ on Gangnam-daero in Seoul. This art collaboration store combines Dunkin with art, with interior design participation from renowned American designer Andy Hess. Featuring soft vibe style with curved lines inspired by the basic circular shape of donuts, it adds a trendy touch. The harmonious blend of Dunkin’s signature colors?orange, magenta, and wood tones?creates a stylish and cozy atmosphere. The menu also received attention, focusing on improving the taste and quality of all products, including donuts, food, coffee, and beverages, using premium ingredients.

Burger franchise Mom’s Touch opened its third flagship experimental store, ‘Mom’s Touch LAB Garden Yeoksam Branch,’ near Yeoksam Station earlier this month. This is the third test-bed style LAB store opened by Mom’s Touch this year, targeting office workers in their 20s to 40s, where new styles of menus and services not previously attempted will be tested. To provide a light breakfast before work, three types of ‘Mom’s Morning’ breakfast menus, chicken chowder soup, and two types of salads are offered in the morning. For lunch and dinner, two types of handmade beef burgers have been added to the existing Mom’s Touch burgers and chicken menus.

Outback Steakhouse continues to introduce wine-specialized stores. The recently opened ninth wine-specialized store, ‘Daejeon Shinsegae Branch,’ offers a premium atmosphere with a wine cellar stocked with various wines, cutlery, and table settings. Especially, the open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the scenery provide a unique sense of openness and freedom.

Coffee Bean Korea is expanding its Coffee Bean pet-friendly stores that allow companion dogs to enter. Pet-friendly stores are equipped with pet-specific items such as cushions and dishes. Additionally, they sell a ‘Puppuccino’ menu that pets can taste. After purchasing pet milk sold in-store and paying an additional fee to the barista, customers can receive a Puppuccino topped with milk foam. Last month, Coffee Bean Korea became the first domestic cafe franchise to introduce a pet membership service called Purple Pet Members on its membership app.