A new café in Milwaukee is offering more than just coffee—it’s delivering a taste of Yemeni culture and community. Azal Coffee, the city’s newest Muslim-owned coffee shop, opened in April at 1318 S. First Street in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, right across from Rockwell Automation’s headquarters.
The café specializes in Yemeni coffee, known for its distinct flavor profile described as complex, with fruity, spicy, and chocolatey notes. In addition to coffee, Azal offers specialty teas, baked goods, and breakfast items.
Azal Coffee is part of a growing trend of Yemeni-owned coffee houses expanding from Dearborn, Michigan into Wisconsin. These cafés provide more than drinks—they serve as inclusive late-night spaces where people can gather without alcohol, creating a fresh alternative for socializing in the city.
The Milwaukee franchise is the first for Azal and only its second location overall. It is owned by brothers Mike and Bobby Kaid, along with Musa Jamal. While all three have business experience in Milwaukee, this marks their first venture into the coffee industry.
“People aren’t going to places like Starbucks as much anymore,” said Mike Kaid. “We wanted to create something different from the existing Yemeni coffee shops.”
Their decision to franchise with Azal came after visiting the original location in Michigan. “It’s still a small company, but we’re getting out there,” Mike added.
For the owners, quality is key. “The beans are the most important thing,” said Jamal. “We get them directly from Yemen. They’re premium beans, all graded 83 percent or higher. They’re not commercial beans at all.”
With its authentic brews and community-focused atmosphere, Azal Coffee is quickly becoming a standout spot in Milwaukee’s café scene.
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