Innovation

Coffee Corner Cultural Center is determined to maintain an atmosphere that provides social freedom and cultural understanding for customers while serving some of the finest coffee and cakes in Yemen. As a cultural center, the café has encouraged all genders, age groups, professionals, and ethnic groups to unite since the Yemeni Civil War that began in 2015.

The library includes a broad selection of literature regarding diverse cultural heritages. The books are available in other languages and can be borrowed or read at the café. The café is also utilized as a business center, where youth activists have hosted civil society meetings and weekly book discussions.

The café employs 25 individuals who are empowered to discuss with management different ways to attract new guests. The café strives to create a unique and distinguished experience, satisfying their guest needs, promoting their products and remaining competitive amongst local markets.

After the interview, café guest Marwa Al-Towaitee and friends mentioned that “Coffee Corner is more than a café. Since the conflicts in Yemen started, we gather here as youth activists and spend a lot of time here to conduct business and enjoy each others company. The doors of the Coffee Corner are always open even when our surroundings are extremely risky. I can’t forget when the air strikes targeted a building that was exactly in front of the cafe. People were confused and panicked but the café staff led us to safety and while helping us to remain calm. In short, Coffee Corner is my second beloved home!”

Inspiration

As a child, Abdulaziz loved Yemeni coffee and read that Yemeni coffee was one of the best coffees in the world. Yemeni coffee used to be called Mocha coffee which was exported from Mocha port to many countries around the world. Therefore, he studied coffee and attended special courses and workshops on coffee in local and international institutions such as the Institute of the Quality of Coffee in America and Special Café. The Special Café researched Yemeni coffee and the results showed that Yemeni coffee had a great quality and taste. The Yemeni coffee was called the "green gold" because it could really cost more than gold.

Abdulaziz continued, stating that his coffee experience allowed him to meet people around the entire world from different backgrounds and different countries. He strives to deliver a great quality of coffee that would be recognized globally.

Overall impact

Coffee Corner creates a joyful and meaningful experience for the entire community in the midst of the Yemeni Civil War. While the conflict is so close, the atmosphere of the café brings people from different parties, different social backgrounds, and schools together. The café guests are empowered to stand for what they believe in without conforming to the cultural norms. The people of Yemen are able to educate themselves at the café library regarding issues that are extremely sensitive and discussed by few.

The café also encourages the guests to engage in vital conversation and interactions with one another. Those guests who “forget about their phones, other electronics, and social media” are given a 25% discount on café menu items.

During the interview, Executive Director Fahd Abdulaziz states “dialogue with and listening to others and responding positively is the best way to stop the world's conflicts, spread peace and love, counter extremism, and halt bloodshed. We at Coffee Corner Café do all we can do to be any part of the efforts and works that aim at spreading love and peace.”

Business benefit

• Known as a “safe haven” since the beginning of the Yemeni Civil War.
• Increased sales and profits.
• Tributary to cultural movement.
• Since the war, the café has attracted new types of guests including artists and people with disabilities.

Social and environmental benefit

• Social activities and personal hobbies that are not supported by the general community are encouraged by the café.
• Reduced participation in Qat (Khat) Chewing- normal social custom dating back thousands of years which has negative effects on physical and mental health.
• Reduced gender inequality: women and men are viewed as equals at the café.
• Café spreads principles of peace and culture amongst the community.
• Café efforts support the mission of the NGOs and CSOs that are working to create peace, relief, medicine, and decrease hunger and poverty.

Interview

Fahd Abdulaziz, Executive Director