Built on a rich coffee history, Yemeni cafes find U.S. success and new challenges, too

Npr - Apr 26th, 2025
Open on Npr

Ibrahim Alhasbani, founder of Qahwah House, has expanded his chain of Yemeni coffee shops to 23 locations across the U.S., sharing the rich heritage of Yemeni coffee. This growth is part of a broader movement as Yemeni cafes spring up nationwide, showcasing unique coffee flavors and desserts. The Yemeni coffee, renowned for its distinct taste and history, faces logistical challenges due to the ongoing civil war, impacting transport from farms to ports. Despite these obstacles, Yemeni coffee is gaining a following among connoisseurs, who appreciate its high-quality beans.

However, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the recent U.S. political designation of the Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization pose significant risks to Yemeni coffee exports. With most Yemeni coffee originating from Houthi-controlled areas, importers could face sanctions, threatening the livelihoods of small-scale farmers reliant on coffee sales. Amidst these challenges, Alhasbani aims to change perceptions of Yemenis in America, highlighting their contributions to global coffee culture and fostering a sense of community through his cafes.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an insightful look into the growth of the Yemeni coffee industry in the U.S., highlighting the cultural and economic contributions of Yemeni entrepreneurs. It is timely and relevant, addressing current geopolitical issues and consumer interests. The narrative is engaging and accessible, with clear language and structure. However, the article could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency, as well as a deeper exploration of the geopolitical context and its impact on the coffee trade. While it effectively raises awareness of the challenges faced by Yemeni coffee entrepreneurs, it could enhance its impact by incorporating more diverse perspectives and detailed analysis. Overall, the story is a strong introduction to the topic, with room for further exploration and depth.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its portrayal of the Yemeni coffee movement in the U.S. and the challenges faced by Yemeni coffee entrepreneurs. It accurately names Ibrahim Alhasbani as the founder of Qahwah House and mentions the expansion of his coffee shop chain, which aligns with verified sources. The story correctly identifies Yemen as an ancient birthplace of coffee and highlights the cultural significance of Yemeni coffee shops. However, some claims, such as the number of Qahwah House locations and specific menu items, need further verification. The political context regarding U.S. designations of the Houthi rebels and their impact on coffee trade is consistent with known facts, although the exact effects on coffee imports could be elaborated. Overall, the article's factual basis is strong, but some areas require additional corroboration.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the Yemeni coffee industry's growth and the challenges it faces, showcasing both the cultural richness and the political-economic hurdles. It presents perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including coffee shop owners, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, which helps to provide a well-rounded narrative. However, the article could benefit from including more viewpoints from Yemeni farmers directly affected by the trade and conflict, as well as a broader range of opinions on the U.S. policy impacts. Overall, while the article is generally balanced, it could be improved by incorporating more diverse voices, particularly from those on the ground in Yemen.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively introduces the topic and provides a logical flow of information, from the cultural significance of Yemeni coffee to the challenges faced by the industry. The use of direct quotes and personal stories enhances engagement and understanding. However, some complex geopolitical aspects could be explained in more detail to aid comprehension. Overall, the article maintains clarity and coherence, with minor areas for improvement in explaining intricate details.

6
Source quality

The article cites individuals like Ibrahim Alhasbani and Mokhtar Alkhanshali, who are directly involved in the Yemeni coffee industry, lending credibility to the narrative. However, it lacks a broader range of authoritative sources, such as academic experts on Middle Eastern trade or policy analysts, to substantiate claims about political and economic impacts. The reliance on firsthand accounts provides valuable insights but may not fully capture the complexity of the geopolitical context. Additional references to industry reports or government data could enhance the article's credibility and depth.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the basis for certain claims, such as the specific number of coffee shops or the exact impact of U.S. policies on Yemeni coffee imports. While it includes direct quotes and anecdotes from key figures, it lacks explicit citations or links to supporting data or reports. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would help readers assess the reliability of the information and understand the context better. The article would benefit from clearer disclosure of how information was gathered and verified.

Sources

  1. https://whatnowatlanta.com/yemeni-coffee-franchise-expanding-to-atlanta/
  2. https://coffeetalk.com/daily-dose/for-roasters-retailers/03-2025/106696/
  3. https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/07/haraz-coffee-yemeni-loso-university-concord-south-end-middle-east
  4. https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/03/28/yemeni-coffee-to-expand-again-in-the-triangle.html