Enjoy Your Cafe Time to the Fullest in Kusatsu. Peace of Mind Through Allergen-Friendly Dining

To everyone living in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and to our valued customers from surrounding areas like Minami-Kusatsu, Ritto, Moriyama, and Otsu: We at (Cafe Name) believe that time spent at a cafe should be more than just a break—it should be a special moment of true relaxation. We understand that for those with food allergies, dining out can be a constant source of anxiety. That's why our cafe is sincerely committed to allergen management, ensuring all our guests can enjoy their meals with confidence and a smile.

We want you to savor our delicious coffee, artisanal sweets, and light meals without having to wonder, Can I eat this? or Does this contain any allergens? As a cafe deeply rooted in the Kusatsu community, our top priority is to address each customer's dietary concerns and provide a sense of security. Whether you're getting takeout to enjoy at home, gathering for a girls' night out, or relaxing with a solo drink, please don't hesitate to consult with us.

Today, we would like to introduce the specific measures our cafe takes to be allergen-friendly. We hope this will be a helpful reference for when you visit us.

The Anxieties Customers with Allergies Face When Dining Out

In recent years, the number of people with food allergies has been on the rise. According to a survey by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 1-2% of the population has some form of food allergy. The prevalence is particularly high in infants, at 5-10%, and many adults also suffer from various allergies. Allergens are diverse, including the seven specified raw materials (egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, and crab) and 21 other recommended-for-labeling items such as almonds, cashews, and salmon roe.

• Menus often have insufficient allergen labeling, making it difficult to decide what is safe to eat.
• Staff members may not be able to provide clear answers, causing further anxiety.
• There are concerns about cross-contamination during the cooking process.
• The selection of allergen-friendly dishes is often limited, leaving few options.

Allergens that might not be a concern during a typical meal—such as when dining with friends at an izakaya near the Kusatsu Station East Exit or enjoying hand-wrapped dumplings at a casual Chinese izakaya—can be a serious issue for those with allergies. Wheat and eggs, in particular, are found in bread, noodles, pastries, and many processed foods, requiring extreme caution when dining out.

Customer Voices: Giving Up on Dining Out Due to Allergies

Over the years, we have received many inquiries about allergies from our customers. We've heard stories like, I went to a restaurant that claimed to be allergen-friendly, but I was disappointed to find almost nothing I could choose, and It was supposed to be a fun girls' night out, but I felt left out because I was the only one who couldn't eat much. Experiences like these can lead some people to give up on dining out altogether.

We listen sincerely to these customer voices. Our goal is not just to label ourselves as allergen-friendly, but to be a place that truly provides peace of mind and satisfaction. Here in Kusatsu, Shiga, we aim to be a cafe where everyone, with or without allergies, can share a delicious time together. That is the kind of cafe we strive to be.

Our Concrete Initiatives to Ensure a Safe Dining Experience

To ensure our customers can enjoy our cafe with complete peace of mind, we take a multi-faceted approach to allergen management. Here, we introduce our specific solutions, organized into five key pillars.

1. Providing Detailed and Accurate Allergen Information

At our cafe, we thoroughly manage and provide allergen information for all menu items, covering the 7 specified raw materials and the 21 recommended-for-labeling items. This is the most crucial foundation for allowing customers to choose their meals with confidence.

• Clear Labeling in Menus: All menus clearly display the allergens they contain using icons and text. Alternative options, such as gluten-free pancakes or soy milk lattes, are also explicitly noted.
• Publication on Our Website: For those who wish to check allergen information before visiting, we publish a full allergen list for all menus in PDF format on our official website. Approximately 90% of our customers utilize this to check information in advance.
• Detailed Explanations by Staff: If the menu labeling is not enough or if you require more detailed information, our staff will explain directly. We strive to provide accurate information, even down to the ingredients in our seasonings.

2. Thorough Management of Ingredient Selection and Cooking Processes

The core of our allergen management lies in selecting safe ingredients and implementing cooking processes that prevent cross-contamination. We focus on this with particular care.

a. Use of Carefully Selected Ingredients

We are actively introducing ingredients that contain as few allergens as possible, as well as alternative ingredients. For example, we always have items like bread and sweets made with gluten-free rice flour, dairy-free soy and almond milk, and vegan-friendly plant-based ingredients.

• Fresh vegetables sourced from our partner farmers are selected for their low allergen risk.
• We prioritize the use of additive-free and low-allergen seasonings.
• We can also accommodate customers with specific meat allergies (e.g., pork) by preparing alternative dishes using chicken or fish upon request.

b. Dedicated Cooking Utensils and Segregated Areas

To prevent cross-contamination, where allergens mix with other foods, we enforce strict measures within our kitchen.

• We use dedicated cooking utensils (cutting boards, knives, frying pans, etc.) for allergen-free menu items, which are stored and used separately from other equipment.
• When preparing allergen-free dishes, we clearly separate the workspace, maintaining a physical distance from ingredients containing allergens. We take extra precautions in environments where wheat flour can become airborne, such as by establishing a dedicated zone approximately 3 meters away.
• Before cooking, we thoroughly wash our hands and sanitize utensils, and have a double-check system in place.

3. Comprehensive Staff Training and Information Sharing

No matter how good a system is, it's meaningless without knowledgeable and conscious staff to operate it. At our cafe, we provide continuous training to ensure all staff members become experts in allergen management.

• Regular Training: Once a month, we conduct allergen management training for all staff. They learn the basics of food allergies, symptoms, emergency procedures, and how to communicate information accurately.
• Information Sharing System: Information regarding customer allergies is recorded on a dedicated sheet and shared through a system accessible to all staff. This ensures consistent service regardless of who is assisting the customer.
• Emphasis on Customer Communication: When taking orders, we reconfirm the presence of any allergies and always coordinate with the kitchen if there are any uncertainties. We value dialogue with our customers to help alleviate their concerns.

4. Flexibility with Alternative Menus and Special Requests

We take to heart the feedback from customers who feel there's not much I can eat, and we strive to offer flexible special accommodations and alternative menu items whenever possible.

• Gluten-Free Options: We offer options to substitute regular pasta or bread with rice flour noodles or gluten-free bread.
• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: We provide alternatives for desserts and drinks, such as swapping milk for soy or almond milk and offering vegan muffins made without eggs.
• Customized Orders: We will adjust menu items to accommodate your allergies as much as possible. For instance, if you dislike a specific vegetable or need to avoid a particular spice, please let us know in advance, and we will consider how we can assist.

These efforts allow our customers to feel the joy of choosing from the menu without restriction, whether they are enjoying a solo drink or a girls' night out.

5. Prioritizing Communication with Our Customers

The most important aspect of allergen management is building a relationship of trust with our customers. We don't just provide information one-way; we value listening to our customers' voices and finding solutions together.

Your feedback and requests are an invaluable source of information for improving our services. If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small, please do not hesitate to speak with a staff member. We will respond thoughtfully, with your peace of mind as our top priority.

Steps for a Worry-Free Experience at Our Cafe

To help you enjoy a comfortable, anxiety-free time at our cafe in Kusatsu, Shiga, we kindly request your cooperation with a few things. Please refer to the following steps for a smooth experience.

1. Pre-Visit Confirmation and Information (Recommended)

1. Check Allergen Information on Our Website: Please review the allergen list published on our cafe's official website. It contains detailed allergen information for our main menu items.
2. Declare Allergies When Booking: If you have severe or multiple allergies, please inform us of the specific allergens when you make a reservation, either by phone or in the notes section of our online booking form. Knowing in advance allows for a smoother service and enables us to propose special menu options.
3. Inquire About Menu Items: If you have allergies related to specific ingredients commonly found in dishes like Kusatsu gyoza or Kusatsu Chinese food (e.g., wheat or egg), you can also inquire in advance about alternative menu items that do not use those ingredients.

Contacting us in advance helps reduce your wait time upon arrival and allows us to prepare a more personalized service. This is especially helpful during busy periods like weekday lunchtimes or on weekends.

2. Final Confirmation Upon Arrival

1. Inform Staff When You Arrive: Please let our staff know again upon arrival that you have an allergy. If you are in a group, it helps if one person can communicate this on behalf of everyone.
2. Consult on Allergen-Friendly Menus: As you look at the menu, please don't hesitate to ask our staff about anything you're unsure of. They can suggest how to choose dishes that suit your allergies and propose possible alternatives.

3. Final Check and Important Notes When Ordering

1. Reconfirm Your Order: When you place your order, our staff will reconfirm that the menu items are allergen-friendly.
2. Clarify Any Doubts on the Spot: If you feel even slightly uneasy about anything, please check with our staff immediately. Even small questions are important when it comes to allergies.
3. In Case of an Emergency: Should you feel unwell, please notify a staff member immediately. All our staff are trained on how to respond in an emergency.

Through these steps, we aim to be the cafe in Kusatsu where you can dine with the greatest peace of mind. The safety and comfort of each and every customer is our greatest joy.

Conclusion: A Comfortable Cafe Experience in Kusatsu. Allergen Management is Our 'Omotenashi' to You

At (Cafe Name) in Kusatsu, Shiga, we want to provide the best possible cafe experience to all our customers, with or without allergies, without distinction. We believe that our allergen management is not just a menu adjustment—it is an expression of deep 'omotenashi,' or wholehearted hospitality, for each individual guest.

In the midst of your busy life, moments spent chatting with friends at an izakaya by the Kusatsu Station East Exit or enjoying takeout Chinese food at home are precious. But what our cafe offers is a little bit of the extraordinary within that everyday life: a special space where you can refresh your mind and body with delicious food and warm service, free from allergy worries.

From gluten-free pancakes and dairy-free lattes to vegan-friendly light meals, we have a wide range of options waiting for you here in Kusatsu. Please visit us for any occasion, be it a girls' night out, a solo drink, or a special anniversary with a loved one. We sincerely hope that our efforts lead to your peace of mind and bring a smile to your face. Please feel free to stop by (Cafe Name) in Kusatsu.