Haraz Coffee House Brings Yemen’s Ancient Coffee Legacy to the Heart of Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s growing food scene has welcomed Yemeni restaurants in recent years, but one crucial part of Yemen’s heritage remained missing: a dedicated space to celebrate the country’s centuries-old coffee tradition. Bryn Mawr-based entrepreneurs Hamza Shaikh and Farah Khan noticed this gap — and in early 2025, they plan to fill it with the opening of Haraz Coffee House, the city’s first Yemeni specialty café, located at 3421 Chestnut Street in University City.

Above is an artist’s rendering of the future interior, showcasing the warm, elegant atmosphere inspired by traditional Yemeni design.

The Birthplace of Coffee Culture

Yemen’s connection to coffee runs deep. Centuries ago, Yemeni merchants sourced beans from Ethiopia and cultivated them for the first time in human history in the fertile valleys of the Haraz Mountains. From there, beans were transported through the port of Mokha, giving the world the term “mocha.”

It was Yemen that introduced coffee to the Middle East — and eventually the globe — shaping a global culture of cafés and caffeine rituals. Today, Yemenite coffee remains renowned throughout the Arab and Muslim world for its purity, history, and sun-dried methods.

A Dream That Started in Dearborn

Haraz Coffee House first opened in Dearborn, Michigan, home to one of the largest SWANA diasporas in the world. Its founder, Hamzah Nasser, quickly transformed it into a cultural hub. With its growing popularity, franchises emerged across the U.S., from Texas to Illinois to North Carolina.

Now, it’s Philadelphia’s turn.

Shaikh, 43, a neurointerventional surgeon, and Khan, 40, a lawyer with a passion for baking, decided to bring Haraz to their city after visiting the Dearborn café in 2023.

“We were originally planning a simple café,” Shaikh told Al-Bustan News. “But when we experienced Haraz, everything changed. It wasn’t just coffee — it was culture, history, and community woven together.”

A Cultural Experience for Every Philadelphian

What captivated the couple most was Haraz’s inclusive atmosphere and its commitment to high-quality, farmer-direct Yemeni beans sourced from the Haraz Mountains. The beans are organic, sun-dried, and cultivated by local Yemeni farmers who preserve traditional methods passed down for generations.

Shaikh and Khan aim to blend Middle Eastern architectural aesthetics with Philadelphia’s urban warmth. Their design plans include:

• Turkish-imported tiles

• Backlit arches inspired by Islamic architecture

• Locally crafted ornate handrails

The vision is clear: a space that welcomes students, professionals, families, and anyone curious about Yemeni culture.

“Our drinks and desserts will showcase Yemeni flavors, but the space is for everyone,” Shaikh said. “We want Haraz to be a cultural home.”

Growing a Coffee Legacy in Philadelphia

The University City location is only the beginning. The couple has secured the first right of refusal for future Haraz branches in Philadelphia. Khan is also partnering with local women to open a women-owned Haraz in Fishtown — expanding the brand’s presence while uplifting women-led entrepreneurship.

Construction is underway, with meticulous attention paid to bringing the brand’s distinct aesthetic to life.

Overcoming Challenges — and Building Community

Opening the café hasn’t been without challenges. High renovation costs and the difficulty of sourcing skilled construction teams slowed progress. Still, the couple praises the city’s support.

Shaikh, who volunteers with Muslims Serve, knows the reality of building a distinctly Yemeni brand in a post-9/11 America. Yet he remains hopeful.

“Philadelphia has always embraced diversity. University City’s student-driven community is the perfect place to share our story.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the café approaches its first-quarter opening, Shaikh and Khan are preparing a social media campaign and a private soft opening for local leaders and influencers. Their goal is simple: introduce Philly to Yemen’s coffee legacy — and create a space that brings people together.

“For us, this café is more than a business,” Shaikh said. “It’s a bridge between cultures. We want every visitor to leave with not just incredible coffee, but a deep connection to Yemen’s rich heritage.”