In brief
Growing demand for Yemeni coffeehouses in the U.S. has led Haraz Coffee House founder Hamzah Nasser to rapidly expand, doubling his locations to better serve a younger, diverse clientele.
With the increasing popularity of late-night, alcohol-free gathering spots across the United States, Haraz Coffee House, founded by Hamzah Nasser in 2021, is seeing exponential growth. Based in Dearborn, Michigan, Nasser aims to expand his unique Yemeni coffeehouse franchise from 30 to 60 locations by the year's end.Nasser, a former truck driver who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 6, opened his first Haraz Coffee House as a response to the community’s longing for a cozy space focused on Yemeni coffee culture. However, the recent conflict affecting coffee shipments from Yemen has posed significant challenges to his operations. The port of Hudaydah has been heavily impacted by military actions, complicating the already complex logistics to ensure a steady supply of authentic Yemeni beans.Undeterred, Nasser has significantly upgraded his operations, securing a 70,000-square-foot facility for roasting coffee and baking pastries, with a French pastry chef to enhance their offerings. As he pivots to adapt to these challenges, his sights are set on locations that cater to a demographic willing to enjoy extended late-night hours over multiple pistachio lattes.Originally focusing on Arab neighborhoods, Nasser now aims to plant his coffeehouses in vibrant, diverse areas to attract families and young adults, ensuring that Haraz Coffee House becomes a staple in various communities. As more Yemeni cafes appear in proximity, the brand’s unique flavor and culture continue to spread, bringing a taste of Yemen to coffee lovers across the nation.
