Yemeni coffeehouse chains expand rapidly across the US
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 2
Yemeni coffeehouse chains expand rapidly across the US
6 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 2
Six major chains grew 50% to 136 cafes last year, with hubs in Michigan, California and Texas and further openings from Georgia to Maine.
Operators say late hours, especially during Ramadan, and demand for alcohol-free social spaces are attracting both Arab Americans and wider US customers seeking global flavours.
Chains including Haraz and Arwa are adding dozens more sites, while the boom also spotlights Yemen's long coffee heritage and a sector seen as vital to its impoverished economy.
As Yemeni cafes franchise, can they preserve cultural authenticity or will they become another diluted trend?
Can the Yemeni coffee boom survive the Red Sea crisis threatening its vital supply chain?