New Yemeni coffee shop opening soon in University City
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In the back of Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. you'll find a private meeting room space. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. will open its first North Carolina café across from UNC Charlotte on Friday, Aug. 22.
Why it matters: The Michigan-based chain joins a growing wave of Yemeni coffee brands — including Haraz and Qahwah House — expanding to Charlotte.
Context: Owner Aziza Montaser, who was born and raised in New York in a Yemeni household, says she opened Qamaria to bridge her Yemeni and American identities.
- She hopes the new café will serve as a third space. "As Muslims, we don't drink alcohol. Our way to enjoy ourselves is to sit down and have a cup of coffee together, tea and laugh and talk," said Montaser.
Dig in: Qamaria serves hand-harvested Yemeni coffee and hot tea — by the cup or kettle to share. Many of the drinks highlight different Yemeni cities and feature traditional flavors such as cardamom and spices.
- The pastry case includes honeycomb bread, sabaya, milk cakes, croissants and cheesecakes, plus fruit refreshers.
The vibe: The 1,600-square-foot café seats up to 100 guests, with additional patio seating and a private meeting room. Inside, the space is decorated with Yemeni artwork, a map, majlis-style sofas and cultural books.
Stop by: Find Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. at 9325 JW Clay Blvd. next to Crazy Legs. Free parking is available in the parking deck of the JW Clay Station light rail stop.
- It'll be open 7am to midnight on weekdays and 7am-1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
