Lexington, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Shibam Coffee, the first Yemeni-style coffeehouse in Lexington, is set to open in fall 2025. Located at 535 S. Upper St., just a block from the University of Kentucky, this unique coffeehouse aims to introduce authentic Yemeni coffee culture and offer a cozy gathering spot for the community with late-night hours. The menu will feature various traditional beverages and desserts, providing an enticing culinary experience for locals and visitors alike.
Lexington Welcomes First Yemeni-Style Coffeehouse: Shibam Coffee Set to Open Fall 2025
Shibam Coffee, the first Yemeni-style coffeehouse in Lexington, is set to open its doors in fall 2025 at 535 S. Upper St., located in the CenterCourt complex just a block away from the University of Kentucky campus. This coffeehouse marks a significant moment in the local dining scene as it brings the rich traditions of Yemeni coffee culture to Kentucky.
Yemen is often recognized as the birthplace of coffee, and the establishment of Shibam Coffee reflects a growing trend of Yemeni coffee shops in major urban areas, including cities like New York, Los Angeles, and parts of Michigan. The coffeehouse aims to offer a genuine taste of Yemeni culture through its unique coffee beans, captivating decor, late-night hours, and an assortment of desserts.
Local Lexington native Hera Qureshi is among the four family owners of Shibam Coffee, emphasizing the strong historical roots and distinct flavors of Yemeni coffee. The coffee beans served at the cafe are sourced from small family farms in Yemen, where they are grown at high altitudes and depend solely on rainfall for irrigation. The beans are then naturally sun-dried, leading to a complex flavor profile that is fruity and reminiscent of wine.
Unlike typical American coffeehouses, Yemeni coffee shops like Shibam feature extravagant decor and late operating hours, responding to a demand for alcohol-free nightlife options. Qureshi envisions Shibam Coffee as a “third space,” a welcoming environment for the community to gather and enjoy coffee late into the night, with hours of operation expected to extend until 11 p.m. or midnight most days.
Ambiance and Menu Items
The 2,240 square-foot space will feature luxurious and cozy design elements, including marble floors, seating areas with couches, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Shibam Coffee will offer an extensive menu that includes a variety of coffees, lattes, teas, refreshers, and matcha drinks. Some highlighted menu items will consist of:
- Adeni Tea – a spiced milk tea brewed slowly with black tea and spices
- Pistachio latte
- Spanish latte
- Mango matcha
- Turkish coffee – a dark roast Yemeni blend
- Refreshing cold drinks like Dragon Fruit and Strawberry Acai
In addition to beverages, Shibam Coffee will also serve an array of delicious desserts. These will include locally baked pastries, featuring unique options like milk cake inspired by Yemeni flavors and honeycomb breads adorned with honey, sesame, and nigella seeds.
Logistics and Accessibility
Customers can enjoy free on-site parking available at the rear of the CenterCourt complex, making it convenient to access this new dining experience. The coffee beans used at Shibam will be roasted at the flagship location in Columbus, Ohio, and subsequently shipped to Lexington for use in their offerings.
Shibam Coffee is poised to bring a taste of Yemen to Lexington and serve as a hub for community engagement and enjoyment. With its unique menu and late hours, it aims to fill a niche in the local coffee market. For more information, visit the official website at Shibamcoffee.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shibam Coffee?
Shibam Coffee is the first Yemeni-style coffeehouse in Lexington, set to open in fall 2025. It aims to provide authentic Yemeni coffee experiences and connect with the community.
Where is Shibam Coffee located?
Shibam Coffee will be located at 535 S. Upper St. in the CenterCourt complex, just a block from the University of Kentucky campus.
What can customers expect from the menu?
The menu will feature a variety of coffees, lattes, teas, refreshers, and desserts, including unique items like Adeni Tea and locally baked pastries.
Will there be parking available?
Yes, Shibam Coffee will offer free on-site parking available in the rear of the CenterCourt complex.
What are the operating hours?
The coffeehouse plans to stay open until 11 p.m. or midnight on most days, catering to customers seeking late-night options.
Key Features of Shibam Coffee
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 535 S. Upper St., CenterCourt complex, Lexington |
| Opening Date | Fall 2025 |
| Menu Highlights | Adeni Tea, Pistachio latte, Turkish coffee, locally baked pastries |
| Operating Hours | Until 11-12 p.m. most days |
| Parking | Free on-site parking available |
| Interior Design | Luxurious and cozy decor with marble floors and couches |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: First Yemeni-Style Coffeehouse in Lexington
- Star Tribune: Restaurant Roll Call in Twin Cities
- West Side Rag: Openings in NYC
- East Side Feed: Colorful Bagels in NYC
- Eater NY: Best Cafes in NYC
- Wikipedia: Coffee
- Google Search: Yemeni Coffee
- Google Scholar: Coffee Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coffee
- Google News: Coffee News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
