The western half of the United States has seen a boom in a particular bakery café in recent years, one that many refer to as the Starbucks of Taiwan. If this Taipei export is able to achieve even a portion of the success of its American counterpart, it may be the next big thing in retail.

85C Bakery Café is a chain of over 60 bakery locations stateside (it had just over 25 two years ago), and close to 400 locations in Taiwan. Part of the reason it has been able to branch out so successfully is due to its concept.

85C Bakery Café is a self-serve concept where customers grab a tray and tongs and add pastries from the cases. There is a huge selection, ranging from chocolate breads to potato and cheese puff pastries. The bakery has a strong Asian influence in its menu, but also includes European influences as well.

Another reason for 85C Bakery Café’s success is its sea salt coffee. 85C Sea Salt Coffee is espresso, ice, sugar, full-fat cream, with sea salt that they require you shake up to enjoy. The sea salt brings out the flavor of the coffee.

The name 85C refers to the temperature at which its founders believe is optimal for coffee to hold its flavor. It symbolizes a devotion to its beverages, much like Starbucks.

The company has grown out of its flagship location and expanded throughout California, and into the states of Washington and Texas. Soon, other states could join in on this fast-growing business.