“Burgers are my youth,” says A Ren, who, along with his partner, has dedicated 15 to 20 years of their youth to burgers. Their partnership began while working for a Japanese fast food chain, and later, they decided to join forces and move from the north to start their own business in Taichung. Reflecting on their journey, they express gratitude for the hard work and experiences that honed their skills in procurement and product development. Along the way, they encountered many supporters, though they also faced challenges such as rent increases, theft of trade secrets, and even a fire at one of their stores. Speaking with the calm tone of someone who has overcome hardships, they said, “Don’t be afraid of difficulties in life; face them head-on. Many people will help you, and you just have to keep moving forward.”
Unconventional Design by Amateurs
After years in the office, a growing sense of weariness led A Ren to the idea of starting his own business. He found the perfect partner and chose to return to his hometown of Taichung to begin from scratch. Due to budget considerations, they selected a location on the outskirts of the city center, away from the busy streets filled with restaurants. This led them to discover hidden, quiet old houses tucked away in the alleys, which, in turn, shaped the brand's spatial style. While old house renovations have become a trend in recent years, it was a unique concept twelve years ago. The charm of these hidden, nostalgic spaces in the bustling city attracted many who sought a moment of peace and curiosity.
Their jointly created restaurant brands, "For Farm Burger," "Harumaru Pan," and "Aoharu Burger," are all known for their nostalgic old house settings. The interiors are designed with comfort in mind, featuring spacious seating arrangements, large windows overlooking quiet neighborhoods, and beautiful shifting light. Surprisingly, all of these spaces were designed by A Ren himself, who has no formal design background. When opening their first store, they sought advice from a restaurant they admired and, during the process, met a carpenter who shared their vision. Unlike typical craftsmen, this carpenter brought a romantic touch to his work. Although A Ren laughs that some of the designs may not be as precise as those done by professionals, they evoke an emotional response and inspire imaginative interpretations of life. Their unique approach has even drawn visits from professional interior designers eager to exchange ideas.
Located in Taichung's Nantun District, Aoharu Burger took eight months to complete. Although it may not align with typical commercial efficiency, it reflects their desire to maintain a steady creative pace. The building, once a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, retains its original facade. A Ren’s renovation philosophy is to preserve the character of the old house while adding new elements that enhance it. For instance, they left the planter under the arcade intact, using it as a bench for waiting customers, and turned a recessed electrical box into a small bookshelf. The ground floor houses the popular "Boulangerie Pangolin," a bakery whose founder once generously taught A Ren the craft of breadmaking. Now, A Ren repays that kindness through the store's design. The entrance was deliberately positioned to distinguish the two businesses, and a wooden door was added to block the bakery’s entrance, preventing disruption due to differing business hours.
The intrigue of staircases or narrow paths often draws people indoors, making old houses on the street a distinctive landscape. Upon climbing to the second floor, guests are greeted by Aoharu Burger’s reception counter. Natural light plays a crucial role in the store’s design, as A Ren emphasizes its importance in defining the space. He enjoys creating layers of exploration within the interior. The third floor, in addition to seating, features a central kitchen where the aroma of bread wafts through the air. A serving window is built into the wooden partition, with plans for launching a new dessert brand in the future. The furniture is a mix of vintage pieces from across Taiwan and modern soft furnishings. Tables are crafted from repurposed door panels from the partner’s family home, and reclaimed wood from previous store renovations is repurposed for walls, decorations, and flooring, all engraved with memories of their youth.
Thoughtfully Curated Ingredients with a Touch of Warmth
They have always focused on developing Japanese-style Western cuisine. Their team has the expertise to make classic dishes that have been popular for over twenty years, favoring handmade production over mass manufacturing. They learned to make burgers and buns from scratch, creating their own sauces, which allows for flexibility and variety in the menu. Yellow lemons were chosen as a classic element, symbolizing the bittersweetness of youth. The delicious dishes rely on high-quality flour and ingredients sourced from a long-term partnership with an organic farm in Taoyuan. In August, in line with the cilantro season, they developed the "Chinese-style Fried Chicken Burger with Cilantro," incorporating elements from Japanese-Chinese cuisine. Additionally, they collaborated with a century-old local tofu shop and a starfruit juice store to create Taichung-exclusive items like the "Sesame Tofu Salad" and "Wanhe Starfruit Coffee Soda," blending local flavors and traditions.
For twelve years, A Ren and his partners have continuously launched restaurant brands, aiming to leave a lasting impression on each generation’s taste buds. Even during the pandemic crisis, they did not cut staff but instead shifted focus to takeout, strengthening the team's unity. "The most touching moment was when a partner said, 'We’ll save our own store,'" A Ren recalls. They proactively developed takeout processes and new bento box options. Despite the ongoing post-pandemic challenges facing the restaurant industry, such as labor shortages, A Ren and his partners remain determined to pursue new possibilities for their dream brand. With a steady pace and dedication, their journey of youthful devotion to burgers is far from over.
Images | Aoharu Burger
