Reviewed by: Pat Byington
New Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop coming soon to US-280
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A Yemini coffee chain with 18 locations across the U.S. is opening its first Alabama location in Shelby County’s Inverness neighborhood.
The shop, Shibam Coffee Co., will be located at 4647 US-280 near ALDI, Art’s Music Shop and Chuck E. Cheese’s.
Shibam has plans to open at least seven additional locations in the near future, including Birmingham’s upcoming shop.
“Just like Shibam, the world’s oldest skyscraper city, Shibam Coffee Co. stands tall with heritage and quality in every cup. Rooted in tradition yet crafted for today, each sip is a journey to Yemen’s historic coffee culture. We honor the essence of Shibam’s resilience and strength, bringing its spirit to coffee lovers everywhere.”
Shibam Coffee Co.
The chain collaborates with around a dozen farms, supporting more than 29 farmers who have been cultivating coffee for generations, according to signage on the upcoming location. In addition to offering the farmers fair prices, the company provides the farmers training and equipment.
A portion of Shibam’s profits are donated back to Yemeni organizations that fund education, health and development projects.
An opening date has not been announced yet, but stay tuned to Bham Now as we learn more.
More Yemini coffee shops opening recently
Earlier this year, another Yemeni coffee shop, Bayt Al-Qahwah, opened in Homewood.
Yemini coffee shops are popping up across the country partially due to their later hours, offering young people — especially younger Muslim and Middle Eastern people — a space to socialize without loud noises or alcohol.
“In the Middle East, coffee isn’t a grab-and-go drink used to wake up with, but a social exchange. While coffee beans originated in Ethiopia, the earliest evidence of cultivation appeared in Yemen through trading across the Red Sea.”
Ramishah Maruf and Monica Haider, CNN
Shibam’s other locations in the U.S. are often open until 11PM or midnight.
Yemen is largely considered to be the birthplace of coffee. In the 16th century, the country’s coffee trade boomed, and by the 17th century, Yemen was the world’s main coffee producer.
As opposed to more well-known coffee varieties from Italy or South America, Yemini coffee tends to be sweeter and have a more rustic flavor.
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