More than a store

Lu Qi attended high school in the United States and helped in the school's cafeteria.

"I once organized a Spring Festival dinner in the school," he recalls.

"I cooked Chinese dishes, including braised fish in brown sauce and dumplings."

After graduating, Lu Qi attended a culinary college for one year before transferring to another US college to study business administration.

He'd often examine supermarkets in the US and still does so when he travels overseas.

"I find the largest or finest local supermarket when I visit a new place and observe everything from the shelves' positioning to the item selections."

Lu Qi returned to Beijing after graduating last year and opened a small Mexican restaurant in the city.

He formally took over his family's business earlier this year and began designing the new branch, half of which is reserved for drinking and dining.

"Delicious and refined food can bring a profound sense of joy and satisfaction," Lu Qi says.

"But some simply appreciate a relaxed shopping environment."

He says about four out of five customers today are local.