Oak & Saint

Oak & Saint — an Omotenashi-inspired coffee and natural-wine bar in San Antonio — is rooted in Japanese hospitality and the Mexican spirit of convivialidad. Designed as a calm, minimalist refuge by day and an intimate wine experience by night, the concept resonated deeply with its audience, generating $84.7K in gross revenue in its first full year of operation.

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Internal Initiative

The Challenge

San Antonio’s café scene was dominated by quick-service chains and loud, transactional environments. Guests seeking stillness, design excellence, and heartfelt service had no true third space that blended global craft with local warmth.

Our Solution

Otherplace conceived, branded, and built Oak & Saint as a micro-world of sincerity — a minimalist 1,300 sq ft interior shaped by concrete, oak, and textured plaster. Every service ritual was designed around the dual philosophies of omotenashi and convivialidad, blending anticipatory care with genuine warmth. From morning specialty coffee to evening natural wine, the day-to-night model reflects a fluid, intentional rhythm. Sustainable noissue packaging carries the brand’s values beyond the café, while a digital-first POS and loyalty system support a 97% cash-free experience — making presence, not payment, the focus.

Key Results & Impact

In its first full year, Oak & Saint generated $84.7K in gross sales, with a 14% average tip rate — well above the U.S. café average, signaling deep guest satisfaction and service resonance. Operationally, the café maintained a 0.18% return rate and just 2% in comps or discounts, reflecting high product quality and disciplined cost control. With 96.8% of transactions via card or digital payment, the space clearly attracted a modern, tech-forward clientele. The concept was also recognized by the San Antonio Express-News as a standout model for design-forward hospitality.