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Backyard Coffee and Jazz in Kyoto

(thedeletedscenes.substack.com)
592 points wyclif | 1 comments | 23 Jun 25 14:37 UTC | HN request time: 0.28s | source
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mupuff1234 ◴[23 Jun 25 15:01 UTC] No.44356504[source]▶
It all goes back to zoning laws and regulations.
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Cthulhu_ ◴[23 Jun 25 15:11 UTC] No.44356617[source]▶
And economic viability; can the owner make a living wage with this setup, or do they have other income sources? What is their total cost of living?
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GoatInGrey ◴[23 Jun 25 15:29 UTC] No.44356782[source]▶
That comes with zoning regulations. That coffee shop is illegal in most of North America due to being a commercial place-of-sale (outlawed in many residential areas), too small, and not having off-street parking.

When you're able to operate a place like that, your fixed costs (i.e. rent) are drastically lower and you are able to sell at lower prices because of it. With more housing, your employees don't need high wages to afford a basic apartment.

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1. SoftTalker ◴[23 Jun 25 18:27 UTC] No.44358601[source]▶
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. It would not pass a health inspection because it doesn't have sanitizable surfaces. The restrooms (if any) are likely not accessible, nor is seating nor is the entrance. Would not pass fire code for a commercial establishment. And probably 50 other things.