Author Topic: Cosplay Cafe?!?!? Would anyone want one here in Portland?!?! (Read 53188 times)

xRIxKUx · « **Reply #50 on:** February 20, 2007, 09:11:30 pm »

o0o0h I want to work there toooo!!!!
we can be a big cafe familia? lolx

Daxe · « **Reply #51 on:** February 21, 2007, 12:10:19 am »

I havent been seen on these forums since last kumoricon and with sakuracon looming ever closer I have decided to visit again. And honestly, if you made an Anime Cafe I would be there all the time. Ive been waiting for one for years. Im 19 and I can say that I know quite a number of people who would love to hang out there. Most of them around my age. I know I could get xaam and some others. Anyway lots of luck and PM me when you get the space. I will do everything I can to support an Anime Cafe in Portland. I mean really? Is there a more suited city than Portland for an Anime Cafe? We're just jazzy like that.

Also as a small tip, if you want to attract the 17+ group, try getting a spot near a college. College students love to lounge around after classes to relax a bit. I think there would be moneys near any college. Prefurably a rather libral one. Anyway, good luck.

xRIxKUx · « **Reply #52 on:** February 21, 2007, 08:43:46 am »

haha yeah. what he said. but if you trying to appeal just to a specefic age group...umm..yeah.
If you want to make money you gotta get a variety, so ayummy in the eyes of many huh? lolx
Don't be boring, and sterotypical lolx X3 But with everything you seem on top of things. :3

pieisexactlythree · « **Reply #53 on:** February 21, 2007, 09:41:28 am »

A couple video monitors on the walls showing episodes of Sailor Moon and some of those ridiculous Japanese game shows would add to the ambience. And don't bother with LCD or plasma sets! A couple of second hand Dell tft monitors, rigged to a cheap linux video client from free geek could create the same look and feel for a tenth of the cost.

xRIxKUx · « **Reply #54 on:** February 21, 2007, 05:36:07 pm »

that would be...intresting..lolx
I..wouldn't..but um uh <.< >.>
>.< QUU!!! sorry neh'.

Radien · « **Reply #55 on:** February 25, 2007, 11:37:43 am »

I'd vote "yes," but I live in Springfield, so I can't guarantee I'd make it up there often enough to contribute at all to the success of such a place.

But it would be awesome if there was one. I would definitely make the trip up to Portland to check it out, if one actually succeeded.

If you do it, though, remember: location, location, location. It has to be in a place where teenagers could freely access -- meaning not in the bar district, somewhere safe, and near public transportation routes -- and where you would be free to do whatever you want with it.

Best of luck.

If you do it, be sure to get the word out amply. That means a booth at Kumori Con, at least!

Writer · « **Reply #56 on:** March 09, 2007, 05:49:50 pm »

If you made an anime cafe' I would love you forever. and ever.

but it has to be somewhere I can get with the public busses, I'm not quite old enough to drive.

leashy · « **Reply #57 on:** March 10, 2007, 11:05:52 am »

Quote from: "Daxe"

I havent been seen on these forums since last kumoricon and with sakuracon looming ever closer I have decided to visit again.

Woah hey welcome back!!! Are you going to be at Sakura Festival again?

I would definitely be all for a cosplay cafe. I think depending on what is served it could really draw alot of attention!

totemo_oishii · « **Reply #58 on:** March 10, 2007, 11:15:53 am »

i want an excuse to wear this outfit...
lol.

Writer · « **Reply #59 on:** March 10, 2007, 11:21:29 am »

Woah. Your cute...

manekineko · « **Reply #60 on:** March 10, 2007, 12:25:38 pm »

Woah! This sounds like such a good idea! You have another employee right here!!! I have no problem putting on a maid or bunny suit and serving drinks. I'm in Salem right now, but by the end of summer I'll be in Portland/Beaverton (I'm applying to Portland Art Institute, so I'll definitely be in the area). But yeah, I really want to be in on this. If I get into P-Ai, I'll put flyers around campus and stuff. I doubt it wil be hard to get people from my Game Art & Design classes to come to a Maid Cafe, haha.

xRIxKUx · « **Reply #61 on:** March 10, 2007, 01:11:53 pm »

I designed uniforms..hehe lolx
Bunny and Kitty girl maid waitressy thingy peoples. woooooooooow
I could see it being a big success though. lolx

Writer · « **Reply #62 on:** March 11, 2007, 05:05:17 pm »

I'll work there! You don't even have to pay me, I'll just kind of hang around and do the dishes.

totemo_oishii · « **Reply #63 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:21:02 pm »

ATTENTION!

canada opens first cosplay cafe. <--an article

Writer · « **Reply #64 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:49:04 pm »

So cool.. too bad it's in Canada.

totemo_oishii · « **Reply #65 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:55:07 pm »

Yeah, I understand.

But it's interesting to see maid/cosplay cafes outfit of Japan ~ :3

totemo_oishii · « **Reply #66 on:** March 12, 2007, 06:00:15 pm »

Go for it!!

I'm definately going to find a butler cafe when I go there ... >D ♥ haha!

Negima · « **Reply #67 on:** March 12, 2007, 09:25:57 pm »

Quote from: "Mr_Mustash"

If/when i got to Japan this summer I'm going to need to find one! lol

Search for them in Akihabara. But I will note they are hard to find.
(No I didn't go into one

)

Vondan · « **Reply #68 on:** March 12, 2007, 10:10:55 pm »

Quote from: "totemo_oishii"

Go for it!! :D

I'm definately going to find a butler cafe when I go there ... >D ♥ haha!

yes we will only allow you to go to the nice new butler clubs, you stay out of the ones ware the host at the door is dressed in a lime green leasure suit

Irate Beldam · « **Reply #69 on:** March 13, 2007, 10:57:15 am »

If someone actually starts a coffee shop like this, please please PLEASE hire me? XD

I'm a good cross-player, and I would be a good cosplayer for a shop. >_<

Skinny pretty boys that can make themselves look like women if need be are in demand, yes?

@ manekineko: Oh, neat~! I go to Portland Ai right now. I'm in animation. : )

Good luck coming here! n____n

manekineko · « **Reply #70 on:** March 13, 2007, 11:21:57 am »

Irate Bedlam: Thanks! I'm actually touring this Friday. So I guess it will be popular amongst some of the crowd at Ai then.

If I was hired, I'd hang out off the clock all the time.

Irate Beldam · « **Reply #71 on:** March 13, 2007, 02:35:03 pm »

Manekineko: Oh, that's very neat!

So you are going into Game Art?
If so, you'll be learning a looot of the same stuff I learned!
It's hard, I won't lie.
(And I suck at it.)
But oh well, I try and will keep trying my hardest!

Haha, I like college. This term I only have to go Monday through Wednesday. So I totally have this Friday off. XD

Heehee, it would be so cool to know someone at school from the forums, though!

If we notice each other we should totally say hi &stuff! n____n

And omg, so would I. It would be like my workplace was a con! :XD

Only, people came to stare at us.
Wouldn't we feel popular! :XD

totemo_oishii · « **Reply #72 on:** March 13, 2007, 04:16:22 pm »

Quote from: "Vondan"

yes we will only allow you to go to the nice new butler clubs, you stay out of the ones ware the host at the door is dressed in a lime green leasure suit

i'll keep that in mind. ^___^

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #73 on:** March 14, 2007, 12:13:28 am »

i told my dad about this, he seems convinced it would do far better as a bar. and wants me to do it....wtf?

Geirr · « **Reply #74 on:** March 14, 2007, 06:05:21 pm »

Quote from: "Vondan"

yes we will only allow you to go to the nice new butler clubs, you stay out of the ones ware the host at the door is dressed in a lime green leasure suit

Oh, please - and add the beige suede elbow patches and fringes on the lapel pockets!!!

- G

Vondan · « **Reply #75 on:** March 14, 2007, 06:14:24 pm »

Quote from: "Geirr"

Quote from: "Vondan"
yes we will only allow you to go to the nice new butler clubs, you stay out of the ones ware the host at the door is dressed in a lime green leasure suit

Oh, please - and add the beige suede elbow patches and fringes on the lapel pockets!!!

- G

It's not a matter of fashion. There have been host clubs for women in Japan for years of different sorts of "services". The ones ware the guy at the door greeting potential customers looks like a slick young pimp or hustler he is a slick young pimp or hustler. The new Butler Cafes are a safer bet for any one under 30. A lady friend sent me a Clair magazine about the sad ladies in Japan who are 30 and never been on a date so she wants me to move to Japan and open a club to help them.

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #76 on:** March 14, 2007, 06:26:19 pm »

Quote from: "Mr_Mustash"

well... i kinda wanted to keep the place family friendly

oh no i agree, my dad is crazy and i was shareing.

Radien · « **Reply #77 on:** March 15, 2007, 01:53:31 am »

Wow. That's in Canada? They sure are going for image. Personally, I would rather see a mixed bunch, rather than all Japanese waitresses. But that's just me, I guess... I think Japanese and Caucasian women are equally beautiful, just in different ways.

They have those in Akihabara?... Heh, I should have found one while I was there. Just because it's so over the top. I like seeing the most extreme aspects of a culture... just so long as it doesn't involve promiscuity, porn, binge drinking, illegal drugs, or smoking. ><; (Yeah, I know. I ruin all the fun.)

Quote from: "Mr_Mustash"

See, thats a maid cafe. I want a cafe that is open to both genders... if that makes any sence.

It makes COMPLETE sense for America (and Canada, for that matter). Largely because you would be encouraging cosplayer patrons, yes?

I suggest having a small souvenir to hand out to customers who come in costume! Or perhaps a small discount... like 5-10% off their meal.

Whichever you like best.

It would be similar to this one 50s restaurant called the Ford Grill Cafe, here in Springfield, that used to play "Hand Jive" on the jukebox every 45 minutes or so. All the servers would run out and do the hand jive, and gave out stickers to anyone who got up and danced with them.

(Sadly, they got bought out; it's no longer the Ford Grill anymore...

)

Quote from: "totemo_oishii"

Go for it!!

I'm definately going to find a butler cafe when I go there ... >D ♥ haha!

LOL!

I am definitely in support of your search. I don't have a maid fetish, but butlers are damn cool.

(not that I have a butler fetish, either. Hmm.... that's an odd thought. <.<; Especially since I'm straight... that would mean women in butler costumes, don't you think? With fake mustaches, even...)

Edit:

I spoke too soon. I hadn't seen the part about the actual Butler Cafe in Japan. I was thrown off because in most anime, the butler is a grey-haired man with a mustache. In fact, I have yet to see it any other way.

I still think it's awesome, though.

Negima · « **Reply #78 on:** March 15, 2007, 06:00:58 pm »

Quote from: "Radien"

They have those in Akihabara?... Heh, I should have found one while I was there.

I had to look really hard for one. I was wandering around Akihabara for about 30-60 minutes before I finally found one. Granted I just saw a sign in a doorway about 10 feet back from the street.
I know I've seen some with big open windows on a TV special in Japan.

Quote from: "Radien"

I suggest having a small souvenir to hand out to customers who come in costume! Or perhaps a small discount... like 5-10% off their meal. Whichever you like best.

They also showed on the TV special different souvenirs you could get. Some included a button, cup, and other trinkets with a waitress' (first) name and picture on it. You could also pay to have a waitress sit down and talk with you for X minutes. Seriously.

Negima · « **Reply #79 on:** March 15, 2007, 06:13:32 pm »

Quote from: "Mr_Mustash"

This is starting to sound more like a Brothel... lol

Trust me, the thought crossed my mind plenty of times.
But fortunately the one with all the souvenir stuff was also the one with the big open windows.

Irate Beldam · « **Reply #80 on:** March 16, 2007, 12:54:14 am »

So, is this actually something that might happen?

I mean, does someone actually have the money to start a formal buisiness? o____o

It sonds like quite an endeavour...[/size]

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #81 on:** March 19, 2007, 01:08:49 pm »

like people have said this is something that has come up a couple of times. if this particular one dosent come to be in the next year or so, i might look into doing something like this. probably toned down though since i wouldnt want o scare away normal people (or make them think they are unwellcome since they arent nerdy enough) cause i was having a conversation with my parents about this thing and they said as soon as i graduate from college (in like a year or so) they would back me on something like this (i mean i have a couple other ideas too, including a retail store and a laundry/coffie place)

Radien · « **Reply #82 on:** March 19, 2007, 05:14:57 pm »

Quote from: "pinkrandomattack"

like people have said this is something that has come up a couple of times. if this particular one dosent come to be in the next year or so, i might look into doing something like this. probably toned down though since i wouldnt want o scare away normal people (or make them think they are unwellcome since they arent nerdy enough) cause i was having a conversation with my parents about this thing and they said as soon as i graduate from college (in like a year or so) they would back me on something like this (i mean i have a couple other ideas too, including a retail store and a laundry/coffie place)

How would you tone it down if people are in costume?...

I mean, I can understand the idea of toning down other elements, but...you're either in costume or you're not, for the most part.

Heh, unless you want all the servers to wear Daddy-hats, or something.

Incidentally, is there any issue with copyrights? Like, using a costume of a particular licensed series in a money-making establishment?

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #83 on:** March 19, 2007, 08:47:00 pm »

as far as "toning down" i mean the abstract ANIME COSPLAY OMG aspect, it has alot to do with the decor (going with more of a kitch, older toys more abstract posters etc rather than with even the mainstream of the subculture) also, where you could host costume nights you dont need the servers/wait staff/barristas/ whatever in COSTUME per se, just in cute stuff. kinda more along the lines of cute inspired uniforms rather than specific characters. and modeling the esstablishment more after the idea (for example IN anime) of what the cafe shoudl be like, the kinds of food and more ecelctic menue in the cooler (bottled imported tea ramune etc) as well as the fancy sorts of snacks you might want available say...at a loli meet up. + wifi and bubble tea.

but again like everyone says its probably not going to happen, even though i think that portlands demografic is begging for it, esspecially if it was open close to 24 hours.

superjaz · « **Reply #84 on:** March 20, 2007, 11:09:17 am »

heres a better question who dosen't want a anime caffe in portland?

Radien · « **Reply #85 on:** March 20, 2007, 12:18:14 pm »

Quote from: "pinkrandomattack"

as far as "toning down" i mean the abstract ANIME COSPLAY OMG aspect, it has alot to do with the decor (going with more of a kitch, older toys more abstract posters etc rather than with even the mainstream of the subculture) also, where you could host costume nights you dont need the servers/wait staff/barristas/ whatever in COSTUME per se, just in cute stuff. kinda more along the lines of cute inspired uniforms rather than specific characters. and modeling the esstablishment more after the idea (for example IN anime) of what the cafe shoudl be like, the kinds of food and more ecelctic menue in the cooler (bottled imported tea ramune etc) as well as the fancy sorts of snacks you might want available say...at a loli meet up. + wifi and bubble tea.

but again like everyone says its probably not going to happen, even though i think that portlands demografic is begging for it, esspecially if it was open close to 24 hours.

Okay, those are some interesting ideas. I wasn't sure whether the idea of a cosplay cafe really could be toned down to be more mainstream, but if you think you can do it, I am eager to see it.

I agree with the thought of toning down the audience-specific posters. Finding aesthetically pleasing posters that are close to the usual restaurant decor could be a better design choice, regardless -- take for instance Red Robin's movie poster idea, where not all of the posters are actually familiar to all Americans (and in any case people don't necessarily look directly at them).

Oh, also: no matter who tries this idea, if you serve katsudon, I will love you forevah. <3 (not sure how much non-Westernized Japanese food you would serve, but that's one of my favorites)

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #86 on:** March 20, 2007, 02:17:50 pm »

Quote from: "Radien"

Oh, also: no matter who tries this idea, if you serve katsudon, I will love you forevah. <3 (not sure how much non-Westernized Japanese food you would serve, but that's one of my favorites)

at that point your turning into a full blown restaurant and need way more permits etc and that would be alot more riskey. at first anyway. i mean i think IF i was doing something like this the only food would be sammiches and baked good from some local fancy bakery. like the pearl bakery or pix or some small french style bakery that i dont know about. or even....oh i cant remember the name of the place, but its a vietnamese bakery and the actual place is on powell i think somewhere, but they sell thier stuff over by the deli at uwajimaya. thier sweet breads are REALLY good and fluffy.

Runa · « **Reply #87 on:** March 20, 2007, 02:35:55 pm »

Actually, to some degree there is a cosplay tavern in town... OK, it's not anime themed, BUT you can still show up as an anime character.

It's the Pirate's Tavern (http://piratestavern.com/). It's a pirate themed Vegan restaurant / bar. First FRIDAY of every month is "Dress like a Pirate night" and the band Spinnaker plays

On St Patrick's day, they also did the Dress like a Pirate night, so we showed up as crew from the Sylverna (Last Exile...yeah, they're loosely defined as pirates, so it works). I think it would be funny to have various anime pirates show up next pirate day, which will be 6 April.

Details:
100% Smoke free
Family Friendly (meaning under 21s allowed as it's a restaurant and bar)
Frequent live entertainment in evenings
100% Vegan food
Organic Beers and wines.

Location: 2839 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR (off HWY 30, not too far from I-405 bridge)

pinkrandomattack · « **Reply #88 on:** March 20, 2007, 07:15:46 pm »

that sounds awesome, and far far from me. also i question a pirate bar with no meats. i like vegan food, but i like it best when places have mutiple options.

Radien · « **Reply #89 on:** March 22, 2007, 09:51:54 pm »

Quote from: "pinkrandomattack"

at that point your turning into a full blown restaurant and need way more permits etc and that would be alot more riskey. at first anyway. i mean i think IF i was doing something like this the only food would be sammiches and baked good from some local fancy bakery.

Forgive me; I'm clueless about such things as restaurant permits. I do, however, understand that a full-blown restaurant would be more expensive even without having to worry about permits. Please do not take my cravings as anything resembling business advice.

Besides, if I drove all the way up to Portland, it most certainly wouldn't be for the katsudon; there are more important things in life. Like dressing in silly clothing. <3

xRIxKUx · « **Reply #90 on:** March 31, 2007, 03:59:34 am »

Main stream huh? It'll get there. It is all about trend setting you guys! lolx
things start out small and then BOOM into action! I know alot of people that come from different "cliques" I think most of my friends would go..except for maybe the cheerleaders and jocks.. But they go to StarBucks. lolx
But any-hoozie, I am sure if serivice is good (yeeeeeeeah and kyuuuute, sorry to say you guys..but it matters in this age..Iunno 'bout you, but I wouldn't go to a strip club of ugly people SORRY not very nice, but I ain't gonna lie), so is food and the enviroment is phunn, friendly, and can tickle everyone fancy!

Writer · « **Reply #91 on:** March 31, 2007, 10:24:05 am »

You've already got at leased 15-20 costumers (Including me) who'll promise to be regulars (Me again) and bring friends (not me I swear! . . . ok me). c'mon! go for it!

Shamelessbishi · « **Reply #92 on:** April 11, 2007, 08:38:23 pm »

I'm. If you're looking for workers or Consultants... I'm a good Candidate. 1.5 yrs Coffee, 1.5 yrs in Sushi Restaurant, Worked as Semi-Voluteered Constaff, and used to Organizing Anime Festival at my old High School. Its interesting to see people organizing a simple Spring School Festival.

I would suggest more a Cafe House. Half Cafe, Half Coffee House. More well rounded and easier to deal with customers and insane right wing customers at moments.

avatar · « **Reply #93 on:** April 11, 2007, 10:34:25 pm »

I would invest in it. lets talk.

TheInsanePuck · « **Reply #94 on:** April 12, 2007, 02:31:47 pm »

All I gotta say is if you need a Chef I am your man considering I am going through Culinary school right now and yeah I am a avid anime watcher and con goer... ontop of all that I use to work for my dad who ran a anime business so yeah... HIRE ME!!!

also having been to the maid cafes and cosplay cafes in tokyo.... you my friend are bringing crack to Otaku males....once the otaku male comes near your business they will not leave...

maetel · « **Reply #95 on:** April 13, 2007, 10:37:12 am »

if anyone actually has the start-up money for such a project, it could be interesting... making it appeal to the general public might be hard. i don't think it could be supported by just otaku.

if miss Neko_Chan ends up going to culinary school, she and i will be opening a very elegant rococo/victorian/lolita-themed dessert place. i think i'll probably just buy an old house and put in a commericial kitchen or something. renting is such a headache!

Neko_Chan · « **Reply #96 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:16:24 pm »

Quote from: "maetel"

if anyone actually has the start-up money for such a project, it could be interesting... making it appeal to the general public might be hard. i don't think it could be supported by just otaku.

if miss Neko_Chan ends up going to culinary school, she and i will be opening a very elegant rococo/victorian/lolita-themed dessert place. i think i'll probably just buy an old house and put in a commericial kitchen or something. renting is such a headache!

it will be the best tea house is the entire world.

TheInsanePuck · « **Reply #97 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:24:19 pm »

wow never knew so many people are going through culinary school besides me on here.... AWESOME

Shamelessbishi · « **Reply #98 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:25:44 pm »

Can everyone imagine.... if everyone ran A Fan inspired Bussiness. Most of the year, when the Business closes, probably due to a Anime Convention. The only time, it would "stay open" is when its in walking distance from the Con.

TheInsanePuck · « **Reply #99 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:29:31 pm »

he raises a good point... unless you are able to move your business to the con then bring it back.... but chances are that are only if you sell like anime n such... but that would be awesome... a mobile anime cafe or mobile anime something O.O I have thought up something brilliant

News:

Poll

Would you come to a Cosplay Cafe?

Author Topic: Cosplay Cafe?!?!? Would anyone want one here in Portland?!?! (Read 53188 times)