Sweet William in Kagoshima appeals for crowdfunding contributions for opening café

Muffins from Sweet William

Sweet William, a baked goods and muffin vendor in Kagoshima, is currently seeking support on the crowdfunding site CAMPFIRE to open a café.

Yoshie Hashiguchi, the owner, has been selling hearty muffins made with local ingredients at markets throughout Kagoshima Prefecture. She says, “There are limitations in preparing pastries and baked items in a rental kitchen, which makes it difficult to increase the variety.” When she started looking for premises, one of the cleaners run by her husband’s parents in Tenokuchicho in Kagoshima City closed its doors. As she liked the location and the appearance of the building, she obtained permission to use it as a café.

The target amount is one million Japanese yen, and she is asking for contributions until December 5, starting at 2,000 yen. In return, supporters will receive tickets for muffins and coffee that can be used at the café; invitations to the café’s private preview and pre-opening mini party, including muffins and coffee; and coupons for café’s set menus (from 3,000 yen to 5,000 yen).

The café on the first floor is scheduled to be completed next summer or fall, and the workshop on the second floor is to be finished next spring. Hashiguchi said: “I want the second floor to be completed first so that I can proceed with the production of muffins. Once the first floor is ready, I will add new items using fresh cream and fresh fruits, which have been difficult to sell without a physical store. Holding art events and workshops there is another idea. I want to make the most of the café space to offer projects that the local people can enjoy.”

Sweet William is currently selling muffins on consignment until the end of the year at the Spanish Bar & Gallery Tres Gatos and the food truck Kikanbo.