The Philly Yemeni coffeehouse boom continues with a new chain coming to Old City

The chain that launched the boom of Yemeni coffee in the U.S. is making its debut in Philadelphia. Qahwah House, the first-of-its-kind Yemeni coffee shop, which began in Dearborn, Mi. and now has over 30 location nationwide, will open its first area location in Old City.

Opening a location of his national coffee chain in the City of Brotherly Love has been on founder Ibrahim Alhasbani’s mind for some time. But things are in motion now, with a projected opening date for this summer.

“Philly is one of the most beautiful cities,” he said. “And there’s a unique community there we want to be apart of.”

Qahwah House’s 36th U.S. location will open at 224 Market Street, taking over the former Big Ass Slices Bar & Grill. Sal Almesri is the head of operations at the franchise location.

Philadelphia is experiencing a boom in late-night cafe culture thanks to the influx of Yemeni coffeehouses across the city and suburbs. There are currently four other Yemeni coffeehouse franchises — Haraz Coffee House in West Philly, Fishtown, and Flourtown, Shibam Coffee in West Philly, and Moka & Co. in Center City — with more on the horizon — another Haraz location and Jabal Coffee House in Center City, and Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Newark, Del.

It means the not just an uptick in espresso drinks at evening hours, but the growth of casual places to sit, work, talk, and linger without alcohol. In 2025, coffee houses became Philly’s most-important third spaces, and Yemeni coffee chains in particular were the epicenter of this trend.

Fans of Qahwah House can expect the same design as other installations of the chain, with a few color changes. Inside the 2,500 square foot bi-level building, the cafe will be feature wood seating and the company’s signature large wood-carved map depicting the history of Yemeni coffee migration.

The menu will be same as other locations, too. Expect drink menu classics like mofawar, or medium roast coffee served with cardamom and cream, and adeni chai, or Yemeni black tea, cardamom, nutmeg and milk. Khaliat Alnahl, a traditional pull-apart cheese-filled roll drizzled with honey, and other pastries will also be on offer. Alhasbani said they may work with local bakeries to offer more desserts and pastries in the future.

“We’re gonna make big difference in the Philadelphia market and change the idea of Yemeni coffee,” he said. “It’s not just cup of coffee — Yemeni coffee brings people together from different backgrounds to one place."

» READ MORE: Yemeni coffee culture is taking over Philly