Amidst the bustling modern cafe scene in Surabaya, there's one unique and storied hangout spot: Arek Coffee. Nestled in a Surabaya alley, this coffee shop has a simple yet warm concept—serving delicious coffee, affordable prices, and a comfortable atmosphere. It was established on November 10, 2023, coinciding with Heroes' Day—a moment deeply associated with the spirit of Surabaya's residents.
The choice of the name "Arek Coffee" was also not without reason. The word "arek" is a typical Surabayan greeting meaning young person. This concept reinforces local identity, making Arek Coffee not just a place to drink coffee, but also a symbol of Arek Suroboyo pride.
One of Arek Coffee's baristas, Ferdi from Mojokerto, shared stories about his daily life at this place. He's only 23 years old, but his work ethic is extraordinary.
"Most of the employees here are still in college, working while studying," said Ferdi. "But there's no requirement to be a student. Anyone can work here, even without experience."
Arek Coffee offers opportunities for anyone who wants to learn and develop. Basic experience can be learned on the spot. For Ferdi, the most memorable thing wasn't just the salary, but also the experience, relationships, and new friends. He also learned how to manage a business, something he rarely gets on campus.
"Working here is with friends, so I'm more enthusiastic. But yeah, my schedule is tight, and I rarely get to hang out with friends outside," he added with a laugh.
Arek Coffee employees work part-time, eight hours a day — from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekends. There are 18 employees in total, six of whom are not students.
They are active on Instagram and TikTok (@arek.coffee), two of the most effective social media platforms for promoting and sharing daily moments at the coffee shop.
For the menu, Arek Coffee offers a selection of must-try favorite drinks and foods.
* Kopi Aren and Vanca are two of the best-selling coffee menu items.
* For non-coffee options, Matcha is the number one choice.
* Meanwhile, in the food category, Nasi Goreng and Ramen are the mainstays for hungry visitors.
Pocket-friendly prices make Arek Coffee popular with many people—from students to young workers.
Arek Coffee's owner, Devito Karunia Susilo, is a native of Surabaya and now lives in Jakarta. The shop was opened on November 10, 2023, coinciding with Heroes' Day—a very meaningful moment for Surabayans.
The color green was chosen as a symbol of Persebaya, as well as a strong identity for the city of heroes. The name "Arek" itself comes from a traditional Surabaya nickname, meaning young person.
The Arek Coffee building was formerly a boarding house, then transformed into a warm and comfortable coffee shop. Despite being located in an alley, the atmosphere is actually very inviting—which is why Devito chose this location.
"I wanted to create a comfortable yet affordable coffee shop. Coffee doesn't have to be expensive," was the motivation behind Arek Coffee's founding.
Arek Coffee is also known for maintaining good relationships with the surrounding community. They actively participate in social activities such as donations, mosque assistance, and community thanksgiving events. Even when opening new locations, cleaning and parking are prioritized for local residents.
This approach has ensured a smooth licensing process, and residents feel a sense of ownership. Arek Coffee is an example of a business that thrives without neglecting the value of community.
Despite being founded on the historic date of November 10th, Arek Coffee doesn't typically hold events on that date. However, every Heroes' Day commemoration, the atmosphere at Arek Coffee always feels special—with various small activities that strengthen the community.
Interestingly, Arek Coffee doesn't use influencers for promotions. Instead, many customers voluntarily create their own content because they feel comfortable and it fits the concept of the place.
Their icon, "Sek Waras Tah," was born from a spontaneous idea—a typical Surabaya phrase meaning if you want to be sane, have coffee first.
Arek Coffee is more than just a coffee shop. Behind a cup of aren coffee and a calming green setting lies the spirit of Surabaya's young arek (arek) who work hard, study hard, and maintain relationships with others.
With a simple yet meaningful concept, Arek Coffee proves that even a small alleyway can be a powerful space for growth and development.
So, if you're feeling tired or need a place to heal, remember their signature message:
"Sek Waras Tah" — Have a Coffee First, Stay Sane!
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