For Guests with Allergies: Our Commitment to Food Safety

This cafe's menu looks delicious, but I wonder if it's safe for my allergies?
Is there a place where I can dine out with my child without worrying?

Have you ever felt this way? Food allergies are a significant issue that has gained increasing attention in society. For us in the food service industry, providing an environment where customers with allergies can truly enjoy their meals is not just a duty, but a great joy.

For many years, in the vibrant city of Nishiki, Nagoya, we have connected with countless customers through food. Across our group of establishments—from our sister restaurant Dounan Nourin Suisanbu to our beloved Nishiki izakayas, including diverse concepts like our Nishiki seafood izakaya, Nishiki sushi, and Nishiki traditional sushi spots—we have strived to bring a smile to every customer's face. Through this experience, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our guests has become one of our most cherished values.

At our cafe, we strongly desire for guests with food allergies to enjoy a delicious and relaxing time to the fullest. Our commitment to fresh ingredients, showcased in events like the Daily Hokkaido Products Fair which celebrates the bounty of Hokkaido, was cultivated at our Dounan Nourin Suisanbu Nagoya and Dounan Nourin Suisanbu Nishiki locations. This expertise is deeply integrated into our cafe's menu development and allergy management protocols. We are constantly evolving our practices to provide a safe and delightful cafe experience that makes you want to visit and return.

• For those seeking specific information to enjoy a cafe safely with food allergies.
• For those looking for an allergy-conscious cafe to visit with family and friends.
• For those interested in learning about our commitment to quality ingredients and safety measures.

In this article, we will clearly explain our cafe's specific measures for handling allergies. Please read on to understand the peace of mind we strive to provide with our food.

Eliminating Hidden Worries: The Reality of Dining Out with Food Allergies

A food allergy is an immune reaction that causes various adverse effects in the body after consuming a specific food. Symptoms range from relatively mild ones like itchy skin and hives to severe conditions like anaphylactic shock, which involves difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. In today's diverse restaurant landscape, finding a place to eat safely remains a significant challenge for individuals with allergies.

The Current State of Food Allergies: What the Data Shows

According to surveys by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 1 in 10 people in Japan have some form of food allergy. The proportion is even higher in children, with data showing that about 10% of infants have food allergies. With such a high prevalence, many people have experienced anxiety when dining out. Specifically, we often hear concerns like these:

• The menu has no allergen information, or it is insufficient.
• Staff cannot provide clear answers to questions.
• Worries about cross-contamination (the transfer of allergens via utensils, cutting boards, etc.).
• The need for extra care and attention when it's a child's allergy.

Such anxieties can not only ruin an enjoyable mealtime but also pose health risks. The demand for family-friendly environments is growing, as evidenced by an increase in searches for terms like Nishiki izakaya with children. At our cafe, we are sincerely committed to our allergy protocols with the goal of completely eliminating these concerns.

What 'Peace of Mind in Dining' Means to Us

We believe that true peace of mind in dining is built not just by listing allergens, but by providing support tailored to each customer's individual needs. Our experience welcoming guests for various occasions in Nishiki, Nagoya, from Nishiki banquets to Nishiki large group banquets, has only strengthened this conviction.

• Accurate Information: We consistently share the latest allergen information and respond to customer inquiries promptly and accurately.
• Thorough Safety Management: We have established a comprehensive management system to prevent allergen contamination, from sourcing ingredients to cooking and serving.
• Heartfelt Hospitality: Our entire staff welcomes you with a warm heart, ensuring you can enjoy your cafe time without any anxiety.

Through these efforts, we hope that even customers with allergies can savor a cup of coffee or a lovingly made dessert at our cafe with complete peace of mind.

Our Cafe's Allergy Policy: 5 Specific Measures

To provide our customers with both safety and deliciousness, our cafe has implemented a five-step approach to allergy management. These initiatives are based on the customer-first service philosophy our group has cultivated as Neo-Robata Donan and a Fushimi izakaya in the Donan Nagoya area.

1. Detailed Disclosure of the Latest Allergen Information

We strive to make it easy for customers to find the allergen information they need, whether before their visit or while choosing from the menu in-store.

• Clear Menu Labeling: For all menu items, we do our utmost to display the use of the 7 specified raw materials (egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, shrimp, crab) and the 21 other items recommended for labeling (almond, abalone, squid, salmon roe, orange, cashew nut, kiwi fruit, beef, walnut, sesame, salmon, mackerel, soybean, chicken, banana, pork, matsutake mushroom, peach, yam, apple, gelatin).
• Information on Our Website: Our official website features a comprehensive list of allergen information for our main menu items, allowing customers to check in advance from home. This enables you to plan your visit with confidence.
• QR Code for Detailed Information: We are in the process of adding QR codes to our in-store menus. By scanning the code with a smartphone, you will be able to access more detailed ingredient information and supplementary notes about our cooking processes.

This transparency is essential for customers to make safe choices and is the first step in minimizing allergy-related anxiety.

2. Thorough Ingredient Management and Cooking Procedures

The most critical aspect of allergy management is the rigorous control of ingredients and cooking methods to prevent allergen contamination.

• Use of Dedicated Utensils: When necessary, we use separate knives, cutting boards, bowls, and other utensils for preparing foods containing allergens versus those without. We take extreme care, especially when handling highly allergenic ingredients like wheat flour and dairy products.
• Separation of Cooking Processes: Even within the same kitchen, we reduce the risk of cross-contamination by preparing allergen-free menu items at different times or in dedicated spaces. For example, our gluten-free baked goods are produced and stored completely separately from products containing wheat flour.
• Strict Sourcing Standards: We have established allergy-related standards for our suppliers and only source from trusted partners who can provide accurate information on raw materials. This is part of our group's commitment to cherishing the bounty of Hokkaido, a principle central to our Nagoya Hokkaido cuisine establishments.

We pay meticulous attention to the details behind the scenes to ensure we serve a safe dish to every customer.

3. Comprehensive Staff Training and Awareness

No matter how well-designed a system is, true allergy management cannot be achieved without the knowledge and awareness of the people providing the service.

• Regular Training Sessions: All staff members undergo regular training at least twice a year on topics including basic knowledge of food allergies, the types and symptoms of specified raw materials, cross-contamination prevention, and proper communication with customers. This ensures that every staff member possesses a high level of knowledge regarding allergy management.
• Designated Allergy Specialists: Each shift includes a designated specialist with extensive knowledge and experience in allergy management to smoothly handle customer questions and requests.
• Emergency Response Simulations: To prepare for unforeseen circumstances, we regularly conduct emergency drills, including procedures for responding to anaphylactic shock and using an AED. This prepares all staff to act calmly and swiftly in an emergency.

Our staff acts as the final line of defense in protecting our customers' safety, approaching their duties with a high degree of professionalism at all times.

4. Personalized Service Focused on Customer Communication

Food allergies vary in type and severity from person to person. Therefore, flexible and personalized service is essential.

• Inquiries During Reservation: When you make a reservation, we will ask in detail about any allergies and the specific allergens involved so we can prepare before your arrival. For group bookings, such as for a recommended Nishiki banquet or a large Nishiki banquet, we kindly ask for allergy information for all guests in advance.
• Reconfirmation Upon Arrival: When you arrive, our staff will reconfirm your allergy information and carefully explain the menu to help you choose with confidence. We foster an atmosphere where you can feel comfortable asking any questions or voicing any concerns you may have.
• Customization Where Possible: We will accommodate menu customizations, such as changing ingredients or removing specific items, whenever possible. For example, for a customer with a specific nut allergy, we can suggest a nut-free dessert. However, please note that we may not be able to fulfill all requests depending on the situation of the day, so we appreciate prior consultation.

Through close communication, we strive to provide the best possible cafe experience. In the past, at our sister izakayas, we developed deep knowledge of ingredient combinations while handling special menus like Tsuhu-nabe (Gout Hot Pot) and other Nishiki hot pot dishes. At the cafe, we apply this foundation by enforcing thorough basic ingredient management to cater to a broader range of allergies.

5. A Continuous Quality Improvement Cycle

Allergy management is not a one-time task. It is crucial to sincerely listen to customer feedback and continuously make improvements.

• Collecting Customer Feedback: We actively gather customer opinions and requests regarding our allergy protocols through surveys, direct conversations, and social media. We receive an average of 150 valuable pieces of feedback annually, which we use to enhance our services.
• Regular Internal Audits: We conduct monthly internal audits of our allergy management procedures and records to check for any deficiencies and identify areas for improvement. This helps us detect and resolve issues early.
• Menu Review and Development: Based on customer needs and the latest allergy information, we continuously review our existing menu and develop new allergy-friendly options. For instance, we are focusing on expanding our gluten-free and vegan offerings to meet growing demand.

Hearing our customers say they feel safe is our greatest motivation. Through this quality management cycle, we aspire to always be the best cafe for our guests.

Practical Steps for a Worry-Free Cafe Experience

While we have outlined our commitment to allergy management, there are also important steps you can take to ensure you have an even safer and more enjoyable time at our cafe. Please consider the following.

Before Your Visit

1. Check Our Official Website: Our website lists allergen information for our main menu items. Please review the allergens in the dishes you are interested in before your visit.
2. Inquire by Phone: For allergens not listed on the website or for individual consultations, please feel free to call us. It helps if you can provide details such as the specific allergen, the severity of the allergy, your planned visit date and time, and the number of people in your party. In an area with many popular spots, like those found when searching for a recommended Nishiki izakaya or Nishiki seafood, consulting in advance ensures a higher quality of service.
3. Inform Us When Booking: If you have an allergy, please be sure to mention it when making a reservation. Providing this information beforehand allows us to prepare ingredients and coordinate with our kitchen staff, enabling a safer response.

Advance preparation not only increases your own peace of mind but is also a crucial step that allows our staff to welcome you with the best possible arrangements.

During Your Visit

1. Inform Us Upon Arrival or When Ordering: Please inform the staff again about your allergy and the specific type when you arrive or place your order. If you are in a group, we may confirm with each person individually.
2. Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions: If you have even the slightest concern about menu ingredients or cooking methods, please do not hesitate to speak with a staff member. A knowledgeable staff member will be happy to explain in detail.
3. Confirm Allergy-Friendly Options: Our staff will guide you through recommended allergy-friendly dishes or customizable menu items. Please confirm these options with them.
4. Report Any Changes in Your Condition Immediately: In the unlikely event that you feel unwell during your meal, please notify a staff member immediately. We are trained in emergency response and will act swiftly.

A safe and comfortable cafe experience is achieved through cooperation between our guests and our staff. Here in Nishiki, Nagoya, we are constantly striving to be a place that makes every customer think, I want to go there, and I want to come back again.

Conclusion: Bringing the 'Joy of Food' to Every Customer

Ensuring that customers with food allergies can enjoy our cafe with peace of mind is one of our most cherished principles. We hope this article has conveyed the passion and the specific measures behind our commitment to allergy management.

We prioritize our customers' safety and well-being, centering our efforts on these five key initiatives:

1. Detailed disclosure of the latest allergen information
2. Thorough ingredient management and cooking procedures
3. Comprehensive staff training and awareness
4. Personalized service focused on customer communication
5. A continuous quality improvement cycle

The experience our group has gained from being a recommended Nishiki izakaya and a Nishiki seafood izakaya, supported by many customers in the Nishiki and Fushimi areas of Nagoya, forms the foundation of our cafe's allergy policy. We are confident that the detailed service cultivated across our diverse operations, from our Nagoya Nishiki izakayas to our Nagoya Hokkaido cuisine restaurants, will satisfy our cafe guests as well.

If you have ever given up on dining out because of an allergy, we invite you to visit our cafe. Our greatest happiness is seeing our customers enjoy their meals with a smile. The doors to our cafe are open to everyone. We are certain you will have a memorable time in a space where safety and deliciousness coexist. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.