Tirak Café Boutique
Location
Paris
The ideal location to open Tirak must consider the following criteria: visibility among the target audience, accessibility and appeal of the neighborhood, and a balance between affordable rent and commercial potential.
If the goal is to reach 18–35-year-olds (students, freelancers, creatives), fans of Asian pop culture (dramas, BL/GL, alternative fashion), queer and feminine-identifying individuals seeking a safe and aesthetic space, as well as tourists or locals drawn to craftsmanship, creativity, and hybrid venues… then the Opéra and Central Paris districts are the best-suited areas for this project.
République could be another option, but it lacks the international tourist traffic and is far from iconic landmarks.
Which neighborhoods for Tirak ?
Opéra ( 2nd arrondissement)
The advantages
Asian community
Massive presence of nearby Rue Sainte-Anne: the epicenter of Japanese and Korean restaurants in the capital. It's very popular among Parisians who are fans of Asian culture, as well as Japanese, Korean, and Thai tourists. A lot of traffic.
Mixed target audience
Young professionals, tourists, Asian students, drama fans, etc. A lively neighborhood with consumers interested in hybrid concepts.
Business district
Instagrammable
Many office buildings = potential weekday clientele for coffee/lunch breaks.
Visually attractive neighborhood → great for attracting influencers, content creators, etc.
Disadvantages
High rent
The 2nd arrondissement is one of the most expensive in Paris. A space on a busy street can cost between €5,000 and €12,000 per month, or even more depending on the size.
Highly commercial area
High foot traffic… but a less loyal, more transient clientele. Less conducive to building a strong, engaged neighborhood community — unless your offer is very strong.
High commercial competition
Many established concepts: bubble tea shops, matcha bars, and highly popular Asian restaurants. You’ll need to stand out clearly.
Less underground atmosphere
A more upscale and neutral neighborhood, less of a “queer safe space” or underground scene. The GL/queer universe will need to be presented in a very elegant, subtle, and inclusive way — without appearing too visually militant.
Paris center Beaubourg - Châtelet - Marais
The advantages
Foot traffic
Very strong: locals + tourists + students + culturally curious visitors
Asian and queer-friendly clientele
Close to Rue Sainte-Anne (Asia fans), Le Marais (LGBTQ+), Beaubourg (artsy)
Cultural spots
Pompidou Museum, bookstores, theaters, concept cafés
Reasonable rent (some streets)
Less expensive than Saint-Germain or Rivoli if you target side streets or semi-pedestrian areas
Disadvantages
Highly variable rent
Depending on the street (Rivoli vs. quieter side streets), rents range from moderate to very high. It's best to avoid overly touristy locations (low customer loyalty).
Make the concept clear
The neighborhood is very eclectic: if your concept is too discreet or not clearly readable, it may get lost in the crowd.
Strong marketing and visuals
A clear, visual storytelling is essential to attract the right audience within a constant flow of passersby.
Many big stores, some coffee shops
To stand out, the space must assert its authenticity and artistic identity.