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Micro Bar in the City’s Pulse – Petit Petit Coffee & Bar
Image｜Petit Petit Coffee & Bar · Design Studio｜Skillability Dept · Branding ｜Mounts Studio · Exclusive interview｜Founder Franz
Winter sunlight bathes the Calligraphy Greenway area in Taichung, transforming it into a warm, inviting retreat. As the day begins, the music in the district harmonizes with the golden light, creating a relaxed and serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Strolling through this vibrant hub, we were greeted by lush greenery—evergreen shrubs, tall trees, slender agave, and cacti forming a picturesque landscape. Guided by a discreet indigo sign bearing the name Petit Petit Coffee & Bar, we followed a gravel path and soon encountered a charming, pavilion-like structure. Its surroundings featured olive-green outdoor furniture accented by potted herbs, adding an air of international flair. This tucked-away oasis stood out as a unique refuge, almost as if calling out for you to pause and unwind.
A Space That Connects the City to Everyday Life
“When I started CRU Cellar, I already had plans to open a bar here at Calligraphy Greenway,” Franz, the founder of Petit Petit, recalls. Having worked extensively in the home décor and furniture trade, Franz cultivated a passion for exploring distinctive restaurants and bars during his travels and interactions with international clients. However, when the pandemic kept him in Taichung for extended periods, he realized the city lacked a bar that truly matched his taste. Encouraged by friends, he opened his first bar, CRU Cellar. Two years later, Petit Petit emerged as an extension of his vision, reflecting Franz’s ideal bar experience. “Bars that all look the same are boring; they feel like chains,” he says. Determined to create something fresh, Franz found the perfect location for Petit Petit and envisioned it as a space offering diverse experiences—a bar seamlessly integrated into the rhythms of everyday life.
“Calligraphy Greenway is always buzzing with people and has a strong sense of community. I’ve always wanted to open a place here,” Franz explains. When he first visited the site, it was a neglected corner with just a tin-roofed shed and piles of leaves. While others might have dismissed the space, Franz saw potential—a place for people to gather and connect. Drawing inspiration from his experiences, he centered the concept around “creating a space that connects the city,” which became the foundation for Petit Petit’s unique identity.
Value Built on the Smallest Details
To bring his vision to life, Franz partnered with Skillability Dept, a design team known for their inventive approach, and entrusted the brand identity to Mounts Studio. The original design featured open windows facing the bustling streets, but just ten days before construction, Franz’s market insights led to a change. The semi-circular booth, initially planned as an open dining space, was transformed into a counter for takeaway orders. “There are already too many takeaway spots in this area. I wanted something different,” Franz recalls with a smile. The Skillability team adapted, integrating a modular kitchen capsule behind the reimagined wall to enhance spatial flexibility. At the center of the space, a striking stone pillar was designed with precise proportions, embedded with stainless steel to form a one-of-a-kind island bar—a hub for social interactions. Curved glass partitions around the seating area allowed uninterrupted views, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoors.
Franz’s attention to detail extended to the name itself. Inspired by the French word petit, meaning “small,” he shared his vision with Mounts Studio. The team infused the brand identity with subtle storytelling, using understated indigo as the primary logo color and incorporating copper-toned cursive typography to evoke a touch of French elegance. The tagline, Little things matter, perfectly encapsulated both the brand’s ethos and Franz’s meticulous approach to design. Drawing on his global travels and frequent visits to galleries and design exhibitions, Franz carefully curated every element of the space. Danish brand HAY outdoor furniture was chosen for its understated sophistication, while Japanese brand Duende’s Bent Stool offered a compact yet stylish solution for bar seating. For sound, Franz selected the iconic French brand DEVIALET, ensuring a premium auditory experience. These thoughtful details not only enriched the space but also embodied Franz’s vision for Petit Petit as a uniquely personal retreat.
A Relaxing Escape in the City
Petit Petit isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a holistic experience that engages all the senses. The menu, crafted in collaboration with culinary consultants, is refreshed every four months to keep things exciting. Dishes incorporate local Taiwanese ingredients, such as the signature stinky tofu hamburger steak, offering an inventive twist that sets the bar apart from others in the district. Seasonal updates ensure returning patrons are always treated to something new. The same attention to detail is evident in the drink menu. Dedicated to natural flavors, Franz grows many of the herbs used in cocktails himself and plans to introduce homemade osmanthus syrup in the coming season, adding a layered, aromatic complexity to the drinks. The bar also caters to a diverse audience with a range of coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, emphasizing its inclusive and versatile nature.
Petit Petit welcomes a wide demographic—from students in their twenties to families in their fifties. It’s a perfect spot for weekend afternoon tea, family gatherings, or savoring creative dishes in a cozy setting. More than just a bar, Petit Petit serves as a vessel for capturing life’s everyday moments. For Franz, his experience visiting bars in cities around the world has taught him the importance of meticulous attention to detail and training staff to prioritize customer experience. He believes the current wave of cocktail culture is a golden age, with international bars increasingly blending into daily life by offering coffee, meals, and branded merchandise. Looking ahead, Franz hopes Petit Petit will become a place that people think of instinctively—a haven in the city where the small joys of life can unfold.
