There are canine cafes and cat cafes (most of which are located in Japan), so a reptile cafe such as Yokohama Subtropical Tea could only be the natural next step. As far as cold-blooded tea shops go, this one is definitely the chilliest; clearly that doesn't just refer to the service but to its staff of lounging lizards and other reptilian creatures. Adorable, right?
Founded by 42-year-old Nagano, the Yokohama Subtropical Tea has been so well-received that some of its eclectic customers end up staying for hours on end. Considering that this tea shop hosts as many as 30 different reptiles and amphibians, that is not so surprising -- not to mention that the teas and snacks served would sustain these customers for days on end, if allowed.
Reptile Cafes
Yokohama Subtropical Tea is Staffed by Cold-Blooded Creatures
Trend Themes
1. Reptile Cafes - Animal cafes are expanding beyond cats and dogs, with reptile cafes seen as the next step in the quirky trend.
2. Eclectic Customer Experiences - Consumers are increasingly seeking out unique and unconventional experiences like visiting a reptile cafe.
3. Pet-based Consumer Culture - The popularity of animal cafes is driving a larger trend around animal-based consumer culture, including unique products and services for pet owners.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - Reptile cafes present opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and cafes to expand their offerings with novel experiences for consumers.
2. Pet Industry - As animal-based consumer culture continues to grow, the pet industry can capitalize by creating unique products and services for owners of exotic pets.
3. Entertainment Industry - Pet cafes can be incorporated into theme parks, museums, and other entertainment venues as a way to offer customers a unique, immersive experience.