M. caught the signage: Cotti Coffee, the giant chain out of Hong Kong, has taken a spot on Broadway between Barclay & Vesey. The women’s clothing store A.Little Pink on Franklin had the first location — but I had no idea what it was when I first talked to owner Alocasia Chen a year ago. She tried to convince me they were huge in China — and she wasn’t kidding!

(I’m not sure why their logo is an atmark, but in China they call that a “little mouse.”)

The chain was founded in 2022 by the original founders of Luckin Coffee — Charles Lu and Jenny Qian — and now has more than 18,000 stores in 300 cities across 26 countries as of early 2026. They had 5000 locations within their first year. It works on a partnership model, which removes franchise fees but shares risk and profits with the partners. They sell classic coffees, what they call “innovative drinks” and snacks.

Their mission is world domination: “To become the world’s largest Coffee Supply Chain and Technology Solutions Provider.” And to enjoy a “comfortable coffee lifestyle,” meaning accessible and affordable. There are already a couple in Brooklyn and Midtown. More when they open.