Introduction:As the influencer effect cools down, the pour over coffee shop run by Grandma Han in Nanjing has returned to tranquility from its once bustling state. This in-depth report not only looks back at how that elderly lady managed to attract young people and celebrities from across the country in a short period of time, but also explores the real operational status of her affordable 10-yuan pour over model after the hype fades. Readers will learn about the opportunities and challenges brought by viral traffic, as well as how to face business ups and downs with equanimity.
In mid-May this year, an elderly lady running a small business in Nanjing unexpectedly sparked online discussion with a cup of hand-brewed pour over coffee. Young people from all over specially came to visit—not just to taste the 10-yuan cup of coffee, but also to take photos with her. During that period, the shop was often packed with long queues, bustling with activity, and even well-known celebrities personally visited. Later, the old lady was even invited to a concert, becoming the focus of media attention for a time.
However, as with many internet phenomena, this wave of traffic did not last. As the craze gradually subsided, the once crowded little shop slowly returned to calm. For Grandma Han, this change did not bring much disappointment—in fact, it gave her a sense of ease she had never felt before. She admitted that the pressure of dealing with the overwhelming crowds was far heavier than quietly running her shop.
Grandma Han’s coffee shop sells not only pour over coffee but also beverages such as sugarcane juice. These seemingly ordinary products embody her unique understanding of life. She once said: “No one is blessed every day, no flower blooms a hundred days. Time reveals true hearts, and one remains composed through warmth and chill.” This simple statement perfectly reflects her open-minded attitude toward life’s unpredictability. Even after standing in the spotlight, she maintained the same initial calmness and sincerity.
In the coffee market, pour over coffee has been highly praised in recent years for its ability to fully showcase the original flavors of coffee beans. Professional pour over brewing typically recommends using a medium-fine grind, with water temperature controlled between 90–96°C, and extraction time adjusted according to the characteristics of the coffee bean origin—usually ranging from 2 to 4 minutes. However, Grandma Han’s pour over method, while not necessarily meeting the strict standards of specialty coffee, has touched the hearts of countless customers with its affordable pricing and unpretentious style.
After the influencer craze faded, the shop’s operations returned to normal. Grandma Han did not feel discouraged because of this—in fact, she believed this change allowed her to focus more on the coffee itself, rather than revolving around traffic. She chose to continue offering that reassuring cup of pour over coffee and sugarcane juice at honest prices, safeguarding her own little corner of the world.
For many entrepreneurs looking to enter the coffee industry, Grandma Han’s story offers another perspective. While pursuing popular trends and influencer effects, how to maintain one’s original intention and still operate steadily after the traffic fades is a challenge every business owner must face. Her experience reminds us that the core of a business model lies not just in temporary exposure, but in whether it can continuously provide value and trust.
Looking back at this brief yet fervent wave of internet fame, Grandma Han’s pour over coffee shop not only became a temporary hotspot for check-ins, but also made people re-examine the potential and challenges of the affordable coffee market. A 10-yuan price point may be hard to sustain high rents and labor costs in many cities, but under specific circumstances and with community support, it can still carve out its own market position.
No matter how the traffic changes in the future, Grandma Han chooses to continue running her warm and humanistic little shop at her own pace. Her story, like that cup of sugarcane water and pour over coffee, may not be flashy, but it carries deep flavor—reminding us that in both business and life, simplicity and composure are often the most precious qualities.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
