We check out how this progressive café has modified the face of comics and occasional within the capital of Georgia.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photographs courtesy of Parsek1
With regards to espresso and comedian books, Japan is a longtime chief within the subject. Manga cafés have been round for many years, combining espresso and the Japanese-based comics or graphic novels in a single place. This fusion of two cultures has impressed different components of the world to discover the distinctive mix of leisure. One such instance is Parsek1—a café/comedian e-book retailer situated in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The café serves numerous varieties of specialty espresso whereas additionally providing clients entry to an intensive assortment of comics, manga, and graphic novels from various authors around the globe. Not solely does Parsek1 cater to each comedian fans and occasional connoisseurs alike, however it additionally serves as a hub for native artists who showcase their work within the café. Right this moment we dive into the world of Parsek1 to find what it takes to mix collectively two completely different cultures.
Espresso & Comics: A Profitable Mix
When clients enter Parsek1, they’re instantly welcomed into a singular environment of espresso and comics. On one facet, you will discover a completely stocked barista station with scrumptious specialty espresso and a menu of each espresso-based drinks and pourovers. On the opposite facet of the café is their intensive library of manga and comedian books from authors around the globe.
Parsek1 confronted the specter of closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, former Parsek 1 barista Ani Zedelashvili and her husband stepped as much as take over the enterprise. They believed their mixed expertise in advertising and marketing, manga, and the café enterprise might enable them to seek out success. “My husband and I didn’t need to let this place go. We didn’t need to rob native followers of the chance to go to this particular place the place you possibly can meet with like-minded folks and chat about your favourite titles whereas consuming some scrumptious espresso. It had a particular place in our hearts,” she says.
Issues labored out for them, they usually have since expanded their library of comics, in addition to their menu. In truth, Parsek1 is thus far the one and solely bodily comedian e-book retailer within the nation, having stuffed a niche out there for native followers of comics and manga. Ani explains that individuals primarily go to the shop for comics and manga, however depart shocked by the scrumptious espresso. “A giant a part of our clients are teenagers and preteens who include mother and father, and for a guardian, it’s good to take a seat down, have a espresso, and wait whereas your child goes by their favourite titles.”
Interweaving Two Worlds
Managing a hybrid retailer of comics and occasional is not any straightforward feat, however the crew at Parsek1 has managed to efficiently mix the 2. Ani explains that it’s all about how a lot consideration you give to every facet, particularly on-line. “You’ll be able to’t simply publish social media posts like typical espresso retailers do. You might want to present a comic book e-book someplace within the background (in order) to not confuse the shopper with what’s your primary aim. We love espresso, however magic doesn’t occur with out comics and manga.”
At Parsek1, it’s not solely about promoting comics and occasional. The café additionally serves as a hub for native artists who current their work within the café. This has created an atmosphere the place comics, manga, and artwork might be celebrated alongside one another. “The bodily facet of this place is what makes the magic occur. It’s strongly community-driven; we love to take a seat down with our clients and speak about comics, manga, and artwork—that’s how you discover new skills, companions, and like-minded associates,” Ani says.
The profitable mixing of a espresso store and a comic book e-book retailer requires persistence. As Ani factors out, it’s a must to deal with two utterly completely different companies, and having information in each industries is essential for achievement. “It’s essential to know what you’re doing, so in case you are good at brewing espresso, spend a while researching comics, and vice versa,” she says.
By the steadiness of espresso and comics, Ani Zedelashvili and her crew have created a singular atmosphere that celebrates each cultures and brings folks collectively. Whereas managing two companies without delay might be daunting, the exhausting work has paid off for Parsek1.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal, and a contract copywriter and editor with a major focus on the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work. You’ll be able to comply with her adventures at thewanderingbean.internet.
