30 years ago, public toilets were renovated into coffee shops?! Multiple responses: The store will not open

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Recently, netizens on social platforms reported that a public toilet in Zhengning County, Qingyang, Gansu Province, had been converted into a coffee shop of a chain brand.

According to local residents, the renovated building is a public toilet that had operated in the county for 30 years, with a bathing center on its second floor — regarded by locals as a landmark. "The public toilet has been open for 30 years; everyone in the county knows it." On October 21, however, netizens discovered that the building had been under renovation for a month and had recently been fitted with a sign reading "Lucky Coffee — Freshly Ground Coffee," suggesting it would soon open to the public.

Both local residents and onlookers were surprised and puzzled by the "public-toilet-turned-coffee-shop" bombshell. Many said bluntly that when they learned the coffee shop's original address had been a public toilet for 30 years, they felt only disgust and found the sudden change hard to accept: "Who would drink coffee at the former site of a public toilet?"

In many people's eyes, even if the merchant spent money, effort, and care on the renovation, a trendy, fashionable look cannot erase the building's original identity in local perception. Facing a 30-year-old public toilet turned coffee shop, consumers inevitably feel uncomfortable — which may also leave some customers subconsciously worried about food safety, or resistant to the merchant.

Others pointed out, however, that converting low-usage public facilities into commercial spaces is not uncommon. They argue that turning this 30-year-old public toilet into a coffee shop may simply be a local renovation project — no need for onlookers to make a fuss. Many said the conversion could revitalize the public facility, give it a new role, and perhaps even turn it into a new local landmark.

Just as netizens were voicing their opinions, local residents reported that the coffee shop, widely expected to open soon, was suddenly shuttered a few days ago, its locked roll-up gate sealed. As for the specific reason for the closure, locals said they were not clear.

In response, a reporter from Jiupai News contacted the Housing and Construction Bureau of Zhengning County. Staff responded that the renovation project had been sealed up in accordance with the law due to incomplete approval procedures. "During routine inspections, it was found that the building's use had been changed without obtaining planning and construction permits — an illegal renovation."

The Urban Management Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau of Zhengning County said in an interview: "There are two property rights involved at this location, which makes the situation relatively complex; it is currently being processed." The bureau added that it has not received any food safety complaints. As for whether the venue will be allowed to operate in the future, staff said it is "uncertain for now — we'll need to wait until the procedures are completed and the disputes are resolved."

In addition, media reporters called the official customer service of the chain brand to ask about the store in question. The response: the store had not opened for business because of the property rights issues and did not meet the brand's franchise conditions. The store has been required to close and will not pass the relevant review by headquarters going forward.

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FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation: No Restroom Drama Required — Great Coffee Starts at Home

Whatever becomes of that particular storefront, FrontStreet Coffee believes a memorable coffee needs no controversial address — just well-chosen beans. For newcomers building a home coffee ritual, our entry-level lineup is a safe bet: the Washed Yirgacheffe for white jasmine, bright citrus, and a tea-like finish; the Natural Huakui for tropical fruit — strawberry, passion fruit, jackfruit — with almost no bitterness; and the Brazil Cerrado Red Bourbon for smooth, nutty, cocoa comfort. Start simple: 15g of coffee, a 1:15 ratio, water at 90-91°C, and a clean pour-over. The best coffee shop, after all, might just be your own kitchen.