An outline of a music note, a loaf of bread and ice cubes floating in a tall cup; These three vertically-stacked, minimalist graphics make up the curbside sign for South University Street’s newest cafe, Dough Objects.
The cafe, which is situated under Vic Village South, opened its doors Aug. 26. It follows an open-air, industrialist concept, with tall, grid-covered windows, an abundance of potted plants, brick accent walls and an unfinished ceiling. Customers choose pastries by taking metal trays and tongs to a floor-mounted display case and, after they make their purchases, are free to sit at one of the many two-seat tables.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, owner Min Kyu Kim — who also owns Ann Arbor cafe Ondo Bakery and Korean restaurant chain Kimchi Box — said his goal with designing the space was to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. He said this gives the space a look and feeling that is different from typical cafes.
“I wanted to make it just as naturally with the space as possible, so we built according to what the space provides, essentially,” Kim said. “Here, everything is exposed and open, so you kind of see everything, but it also feels a lot more airy and real.”…