I heard of Royal/T through Pacific Media Expo. Royal/T was promoted as a cafe with maids dressed in anime outfits. I thought it’d just have maids serving us teas and snacks. My friends and I decided to drive to Culver City and check out the place.
Dolls from the store
Entering the place, I noticed right away that my expectations were wrong. The first thing I noticed was the Japanese contemporary art displayed all over the place. Second thing I noticed was the shop to my left. The shop was selling collectible dolls and Japanese books. We were greeted by the cafe curator, Will. He gave us a tour of the cafe. I was overwhelmed with the information he was dishing out so I just tried to soak everything in. Highlights of the tour include the I-Pod Port-a-Party and dioramas each made from a shopping bag.
Port-a-party!
Diorama in a shopping bag
After the tour, we decided to get some teas. We were served by a server dressed in a maid outfit. We got three kinds of tea and I’d say my favorite was the Jasmine. We were probably there for at least an hour just sipping on tea. Never been to a tea party before but this might be the closest thing to it. I enjoyed the experience and the art pieces definitely added to the experience.
Getting ready to order
We talked to the owner of Royal/T, Susan Hancock, and asked her several questions about the cafe.
Nerdsociety(NS): How were you introduced to maid cafes?
Susan Hancock(SH): I was introduced to maid cafes through Goto Design, who came on to help us create the concept and design for Royal/T. They thought it would be a fun connection between the Japanese Art in my collection and the café and I agree.
NS: Is your cafe the same as the ones in Japan. If not, what are the differences?
SH: Royal/T is a café/shop/exhibition space, so it is definitely different for the maid cafés in Japan. We strive for a playful, fantastical space that is welcoming to all kind of people – art patrons, neighbors, anime enthusiasts and families.
NS: I know you collect Japanese contemporary art, how many are showcased in the cafe?
SH: Yes, I started collecting Japanese art for my nieces and then really got into it myself, I also collect other contemporary art as well. There are large glass cases throughout Royal/T that have the art in them.
NS: How many maids do you have working at the cafe?
SH: We have about 8 different maids that work at the café.
NS: What’s the best way to experience it?
SH: I think the best way is to come in and have high tea. You can sit amongst the art and the maids will bring you delicious treats like pastries, mini quiche and kappa maki finger sandwiches along with a pot of one of our delicious teas. Then stop in the shop on your way out and pick up a toy from Japan or an artist print.
NS: Are there any male maids? I saw a couple at PMX (Pacific Media Expo).
SH: In the past we’ve had a male maid or two dress up at our parties and it’s hard to tell the difference. It is a fun twist and something they’re doing in Japan more and more. Yes, at PMX we sent 4 female maids and two very cute male maids.
NS: Are you planning on turning it into a franchise?
SH: No, we have no plans for that yet.
NS: What’s your favorite anime and why?
SH: Although I like a lot of the Japanese art that anime has influenced, I have to say I don’t watch a lot of Anime. I love Alice in Wonderland and artists Murikami and Chio’s videos and I think you see a lot of those influences in Royal/T.
NS: Last but not least, are you a nerd?
SH: No, I am a collector, not a nerd.
NS: Well Susan, thanks for giving us an opportunity for the interview.
SH: My pleasure!
Make sure to check out part 2 of article next week, as we interview one of the lovely maids. You can also check out more pictures in our photo gallery.
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