Our Story & Mission

Marupo Asian Culinary Tradition Society was established by University of Michigan alumni who had previously organized programming events as students. The founders initially ran Con Ja Nai, an admission-free convention under Animania: The Japanese Animation Film Society.

Bennett Lai created the CJN Cafe in 2014 as part of Con Ja Nai, blending Asian pop dance performances with food service. After graduating, Tina Lin assumed leadership of Animania while Jessica Trombley directed the CJN Cafe. Due to community support, the cafe became independent and rebranded as Dreams Come Chuu, expanding to venues throughout Michigan and Ohio.

Concurrently, Bennett launched a food venture — operating Marupo's Egg Tarts (later Marupo EATS) at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market beginning in 2023, then Detroit's Eastern Market in 2024.

In late 2024, the three founders obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under Marupo ACTS, integrating Dreams Come Chuu operations while maintaining the former name as a registered DBA. The organization achieved its inaugural flagship event — Ann Arbor's first Asian Night Market — on June 13, 2025.

Empower immigrant and Asian minority-owned businesses to SUPPLY diverse cuisines and traditional arts expression and to educate the Michigan community by spreading awareness of different types of global cuisines and art forms to grow the DEMAND.