Chinese ‘Coffee Grandma’ learns brewing to save son’s cafe, inspires female independence

An 86-year-old grandmother in China has become a social media sensation for operating a coffee shop for over a decade – a business she took over from her son in 2015, despite having no experience with coffee at the time.

Zhao Qiying, affectionately known as the “Coffee Grandma,” revealed that the shop, located in downtown Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong province, was nearly bankrupt due to her son’s lack of business acumen, according to the Peninsular Metropolis News.

At that time, Zhao was disheartened by the passing of her husband. Her son suggested she manage the coffee shop to help distract her, advising her to merely serve as a doorkeeper since few customers visited the outlet.

Despite her initial reservations, Zhao wanted to learn how to make coffee for customers. However, no institution was willing to accept her as a student due to her age, prompting her to take matters into her own hands.

She taught herself through coffee-making books and received tips from her son, gradually honing her skills.

Zhao mentioned that the most challenging aspect was mastering latte art. To practise, she innovatively used washing powder in boiled water to mimic milk and soy sauce as a substitute for coffee liquid.

After six months, Zhao had become proficient in preparing 10 types of coffee and cooking quick meals, including spaghetti and French fries.

In recent years, her cafe has thrived, attracting customers from various age groups.

Many patrons praise Zhao’s coffee, describing it as “authentic and free from excessive frills,” while others admire her spirited nature.

“Grandma Zhao is in excellent health. She always sits up straight,” said a regular customer, Liu, who remarked on Zhao’s vitality.

“She is remarkable for making coffee on her own. Her story inspires us. We young people should strive to overcome challenges like she has,” Liu added.

Zhao occasionally receives help from her close friend of over 30 years.

She expressed that running the coffee shop can be hectic, but she prefers it to idling at home.

“I enjoy chatting with my customers. They come from all over the country, sharing breaking news or customs from their hometowns,” Zhao shared.

“I impart my life philosophy to them: to live for oneself and not through others,” she added.

Zhao once advised a female customer not to rush into marriage but to focus on independence first.

Her son encourages her to continue running the coffee shop as long as her health permits.

An internet user who visited Zhao’s cafe commented on social media: “I told her, ‘Grandma, I hope my later years will be as fulfilling as yours.’ She replied, ‘Yours will be even better than mine.’ I truly admire this grandma.”

Another online observer remarked: “It feels like my dream has come true in this cafe.”