Japanese cafe chain sues over low guide rating: firm

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

TOKYO (AFP) — A Japanese cafe operator has sued a publisher after it got the lowest mark in a critic's ranking of popular chains, officials said Friday.

Chat Noir, which operates 175 Caffe Veloce outlets in Japan, sued major publisher Kodansha, demanding 11 million yen (100,000 dollars) in damages and public advertising of an apology, a Kodansha official said.

The October 2007 issue of "The Weekend for Adults" monthly magazine by Kodansha ranked 11 popular cafe chains in an undercover survey, checking them on drinks, food, atmosphere and convenience.

Caffe Veloce -- known for signboards with wine-red frames or with the catchphrase, "Good coffee brewed here" -- came last, with the accompanying article saying it was sheer luck whether the coffee was any good....