A major global coffee brand is setting up shop in Bondi Beach, with Japanese favourite % Arabica confirmed to open its first Australian café at the busy corner of Hall Street and Campbell Parade.
Landmark Location Chosen for Australian Debut
The new store is planned to launch in late 2025 and will be part of the Hall & Campbell luxury apartment development in the heart of Bondi Beach’s shopping and dining zone. The corner spot previously housed the well-known Bates Milk Bar, a community favourite with deep local roots.
% Arabica confirmed the news via a newly launched Instagram page for its Australian branch, while retail leasing firm executives also noted the lease had been secured. They highlighted the location’s strong local foot traffic and visibility as a key factor in the decision.
A Global Brand Eyes Local Coffee Culture
Founded by Kenneth Shoji in Kyoto in 2014, % Arabica has grown into a highly recognisable coffee brand across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It currently operates 224 locations worldwide, with upcoming stores announced in countries including Nepal, Iraq, and Spain.
Shoji’s vision for % Arabica is to encourage cultural exchange and appreciation through coffee. The brand’s motto, shared on its official website, encourages people to see the world through the lens of shared experiences over coffee.
Bondi Junction’s rich café culture and beachside buzz made it a natural choice for the brand’s Australian launch.
What This Means for Bondi Locals
For the Bondi Junction community, the arrival of a brand like % Arabica adds an international flavour to a local scene already full of cafés and food stops. The choice to open at a spot that holds historical meaning, where Bates Milk Bar once served locals for decades, adds another layer of connection to the area.
The company’s entry into the Sydney market may also create new jobs and offer a fresh coffee experience for both long-time residents and visitors heading to the beach.
Published 25-April-2025