【Introduction】Experience a 'Wellness x Happiness' Dining Space at scenes in Front of Kusatsu Station

In the heart of Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, a new haven has emerged within the 'niwa+' complex in front of Kusatsu Station: scenes, a café & wine restaurant. Located on the former site of Kano Shojuan, this space invites visitors into a dining experience designed to nourish both body and soul under the theme of 'Wellness x Happiness.' Within a sophisticated Oceania-style atmosphere, we strive daily to provide meticulous care so that every guest can truly relax and feel the joy of food.

From a refreshing morning breakfast to a vibrant lunchtime and a tranquil dinner, scenes is a versatile new spot that caters to various occasions throughout the day. A rich cup of coffee brewed with specialty beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso, the rare offering of a 'Flat White' in Shiga Prefecture, and a variety of Oceania-style dishes featuring seasonal ingredients will brighten your day.

However, no matter how delicious the food or wonderful the space, dining out can be a source of anxiety for customers with food allergies. At scenes, we prioritize our approach to food allergies out of a desire for all our guests to experience 'Wellness x Happiness' with peace of mind. In this article, we will introduce how scenes strives to meet the 'need-to-know and helpful' information for customers with allergies, ensuring you can dine with confidence.

【The Challenge】Overcoming the Anxiety of Food Allergies and Dining Out

In recent years, the number of people with food allergies has increased, and many customers feel anxious when dining out. For families with young children and international visitors to Kusatsu, choosing a place where they can eat safely is crucial. For instance, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, food allergies are confirmed across a wide range of ages, from infants to adults, with an estimated 10% of the population having some form of food allergy. Allergens are diverse, and even slight cross-contamination can cause illness, making allergy-friendliness a key criterion when searching for a 'stylish Kusatsu lunch' café or a 'Kusatsu wine' restaurant.

At scenes, we deeply understand concerns like, 'Does this menu item contain allergens?' or 'I'm worried about cross-contamination during cooking.' Located right in front of Kusatsu Station, we believe that to deliver the ultimate 'Wellness x Happiness' experience to both our local community and tourists searching for a 'Kusatsu cafe' or 'Kusatsu lunch,' transparency in food safety and a commitment to meeting each customer's individual needs are essential.

scenes is dedicated not only to providing a pleasant atmosphere and delicious food but also to creating an environment where customers can dine with confidence. In the following sections, we will detail the specific measures we take to alleviate customer anxiety and offer a better dining experience. If you are looking for a place in Shiga Prefecture to relax and enjoy 'Shiga coffee,' please read on.

【Solution 1】Information Disclosure and Attentive Dialogue for Peace of Mind

Aiming for Detailed Menu Information

At scenes, we strive to provide as much information as possible so that our customers can choose their meals with confidence. As an Oceania-style café & wine restaurant, our menu focuses on dishes that highlight fresh ingredients. This includes popular items well-received in reviews, such as our 'Avocado on Toast,' 'Eggs Benedict,' and the popular 'scenes Big Brekkie.' Since these dishes contain various ingredients, they are of particular interest to customers with allergies.

We work diligently every day to provide the most accurate information possible, not only for the 7 specified raw materials mandated for allergen labeling (eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, crab) but also for the 21 items recommended for labeling. While scenes, located in Shibukawa, Kusatsu, uses a QR code ordering system, please do not hesitate to speak with our staff if you have any questions. We are happy to provide verbal explanations and consultations. We consider it our mission to resolve your questions and concerns.

• 7 Specified Raw Materials (Mandatory): Eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, crab
• 21 Items Recommended for Labeling: Almonds, abalone, squid, salmon roe, oranges, cashews, kiwi fruit, beef, walnuts, sesame, salmon, mackerel, soybeans, chicken, bananas, pork, matsutake mushrooms, peaches, yams, apples, gelatin
• How We Provide Information to Customers:
  1. Verbal consultation with staff upon your visit
  2. Explanation of menu items where possible (supplementing paper or QR code menus)
  3. Responding to inquiries about specific ingredients

Commitment to Ingredients and the Foundation of Our Allergy Support

As part of the nadeshico Inc. group, which operates popular establishments like Nadeshico Gyoza-ro, Robata to Nihonshu Uomaru, and Sakaba Stand Uomaru, scenes inherits a sincere dedication to food. We prioritize our customers' health and satisfaction, paying meticulous attention to everything from ingredient selection to cooking methods. For example, while the specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso are loved for their high quality, even a cup of coffee may require allergy considerations. We are constantly working to improve our information provision so that customers who visit us for 'Kusatsu morning' or 'Kusatsu lunch' can choose their meals with peace of mind. Your questions are valuable feedback for us and help us improve our services.

【Solution 2】Flexible Menu Options in Pursuit of 'Wellness x Happiness'

Culinary Adjustments Tailored to Each Customer

The 'Wellness x Happiness' theme at scenes is about providing meals that not only taste good but also cater to the body and soul of our customers. We want guests with food allergies to experience this joy to the fullest. For example, for our popular Flat White made with specialty beans from Allpress Espresso, we can consider substituting soy milk for customers with a milk allergy, where possible. To ensure you can fully experience the charm of this 'Oceania style cafe Kusatsu' in Shiga, we maintain a flexible approach.

In our kitchen, we take the utmost care to prevent cross-contamination of allergens. However, since cooking utensils and equipment are shared, we cannot guarantee complete removal. Nevertheless, if you have specific requests, we will coordinate among our staff to accommodate them as flexibly as possible, such as by changing ingredients or adjusting cooking processes. For example, we have previously honored requests like 'serve the hamburger without the bun.' Your consultations are valuable learning opportunities for us at scenes, leading to better service. Please feel free to share details about your condition and allergies.

• Examples of Possible Requests:
  • Removal or substitution of specific ingredients (where possible)
  • Requests regarding cooking methods (e.g., grilling instead of frying)
  • Questions or requests about seasonings
• Main Steps for Allergy Support:
  1. Customer declaration of allergy details
  2. Staff confirms menu details and communicates with the kitchen
  3. Proposing possible solutions and confirming with the customer
  4. Careful preparation and serving

scenes' Menu for Diverse Occasions

scenes offers a diverse menu for various occasions throughout the day, including morning, lunch, and dinner. As a 'Kusatsu Station café,' we serve breakfast, perfect for customers who want to start their day with a healthy and delicious meal. We also offer a variety of options for a 'Kusatsu brunch.' From our extensive menu, we will help you find the perfect dish while considering your allergies. During dinner, when you can enjoy wine and food pairings, our staff will carefully guide guests with allergies to help them choose their menu items with confidence. Leveraging the experience gained as a part of the nadeshico group, we are committed to providing personalized hospitality to each and every customer.

【Solution 3】Approachable Staff and a Comfortable Space for Peace of Mind

A Place Where Communication Breeds Confidence

Smooth communication with staff is vital to alleviating anxiety when dining out. At scenes, our staff undergoes daily training to listen sincerely to customer concerns and respond with empathy. We have received warm feedback from customers, such as, 'They were young and not always perfect with formal language, but they were charming, endearing... and very considerate of the customers.' We also have English-speaking staff available, creating a system where more customers, both domestic and international, can dine with peace of mind. We take allergy-related consultations very seriously as they concern customer safety, dedicating ample time to listen carefully and ensuring close communication with the kitchen.

A Comfortable and Relaxing Space Design

The interior of scenes is designed for guests to spend their time as they please. The second-floor terrace offers an open, airy feel where you can enjoy your meal with a pleasant breeze. With Wi-Fi and power outlets at the counter seats, we are not just a 'cashless Kusatsu café' but also a convenient spot for work or study breaks. We welcome customers with children and are often used as a 'family-friendly Kusatsu lunch café.' We value creating a safe environment where the whole family can relax and enjoy their meal.

We believe that a combination of an atmosphere where you can comfortably discuss dietary needs and a relaxing space creates a richer 'Wellness x Happiness' experience. For example, one survey found that for approximately 70% of customers with allergies, the staff's attitude and the restaurant's atmosphere contribute to their sense of security. We strive to meet these expectations by providing heartfelt service. As the 'niwa+ café' in front of Kusatsu Station, we are constantly evolving to remain a beloved place for the local community.

• Elements for a Relaxing Customer Experience:
  • Empathetic staff and proactive communication
  • Multilingual support from English-speaking staff
  • A comfortable space with a calm terrace, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
  • A friendly atmosphere that welcomes customers with children
• Key Points of Staff Training:
  • Acquiring basic knowledge of food allergies
  • Thorough customer consultation and information relay
  • Strengthening coordination with the kitchen

【Practical Steps】Requesting Allergy Support at scenes

To help you enjoy your meal at scenes with greater peace of mind, we have a few requests for customers with food allergies. Following these steps will allow us to respond smoothly to your needs and provide a satisfying dining experience. As the 'Kusatsu Station café,' we ask for your cooperation to ensure we can be the best place for you.

1. Please inform our staff when booking or upon arrival:

   Please consult with us by phone (+81 77-558-8778) before your visit or inform our staff directly about your specific allergies upon arrival. For severe allergies, prior notice allows for more reliable preparation. Informing us in advance helps us prepare.

2. Please let us know the specific allergens:

   Detailed information, such as 'I'm allergic to eggs, but egg whites are okay, just not the yolk,' or the symptoms you experience upon contact with an allergen, allows us to make more accurate judgments and take appropriate action. In addition to the type of allergen, providing specific details about tolerable amounts or preferred cooking methods is very helpful.

3. We also welcome consultations for alternatives:

   We are happy to discuss options like, 'I'd like to avoid this ingredient, is there something you can use instead?' We will listen to your preferences and propose the best possible menu options within our capacity. For example, for those with a dairy allergy, we can look into whether our popular 'Kusatsu Flat White' can be made with soy milk.

4. Please understand that our ability to accommodate requests may be limited during certain times:

   Please note that we may not be able to meet your requests, especially during busy periods or depending on ingredient availability. We appreciate your understanding. Visiting during our less busy hours may allow for more attentive service. If you plan to enjoy wine at our 'Kusatsu café-bar at night,' please consult with us in advance.

5. We ask that you make the final decision yourself:

   While we do our utmost to accommodate allergies, our kitchen equipment is shared, and the possibility of complete allergen removal cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, we kindly ask that you make the final decision about what you eat with caution. If you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to ask our staff again. We are always committed to open dialogue.

Through these steps, we hope that scenes remains a place where you can enjoy a 'Kusatsu cafe' or 'Kusatsu lunch' with confidence. Your understanding and cooperation lead to a safer and more delicious dining experience.

【Conclusion】Delivering 'Wellness x Happiness' to All Our Customers at scenes

Located within 'niwa+' in front of Kusatsu Station in Shiga, scenes café & wine restaurant aims to provide a time that fulfills the body and soul of all our customers under the theme of 'Wellness x Happiness.' It is our greatest joy to see guests with food allergies enjoy delicious food in a comfortable space with peace of mind. In our sophisticated Oceania-style setting, also known as an 'Instagrammable Kusatsu café-bar,' we continually strive to meet a wide range of needs.

The aroma of specialty coffee from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso, the unique charm of a Flat White you can experience in Kusatsu, Shiga, our Oceania-style dishes made with fresh ingredients, and our warm hospitality—we will continue to work hard to ensure all these elements lead to our customers' smiles and sentiments like 'I'm glad I came' and 'I want to come back.' We are especially dedicated to ensuring that customers with allergies can have a worry-free experience, and our entire staff will serve you with sincerity.

From morning to dinner, at any time and for any customer, if you are seeking a new culinary impression and peace of mind in Kusatsu, please visit scenes. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you. Enjoy an unforgettable 'Wellness x Happiness' moment at scenes, just a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Kusatsu Station.