Syracuse, N.Y. — A prominent Yemeni-style coffee chain, Haraz Coffee House, is set to open a new location in the bustling Marshall Street area, steps from Syracuse University.
The new shop will occupy the space at 125 Marshall St., a storefront that was home to Shirt World for 48 years. The beloved retailer, known for its Syracuse University-themed apparel and merchandise, closed its doors in October.
A sign for Haraz Coffee House has already been installed, signaling the transformation of the iconic location. David Jacobs, the longtime owner of Shirt World, retains ownership of the property and has leased it to Adam Zokari, a New York state franchisee for Haraz.
Zokari shared with syracuse.com via email that more details about the new location will be revealed soon.
Haraz Coffee House: A Growing Yemeni Coffee Chain
Haraz Coffee House, headquartered near Detroit, is part of a wave of Yemeni and Arab coffee shops expanding across the United States. Other rising names in the market include Qahwah House, MOKAFÉ, and Qamaria, as noted in a recent CNN report.
Yemeni coffee is renowned for its warm, rich, and earthy flavors, stemming from Yemen’s centuries-old coffee-growing traditions on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
The first Haraz Coffee House opened in Dearborn, Michigan, in 2021, founded by entrepreneur Hamzah Nasser, according to Hour Detroit. Since its inception, the brand has grown through franchising and now boasts over a dozen locations across states like Michigan and Texas, with more in the pipeline.
In New York, Haraz already operates a shop in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, where Zokari also serves as the franchisee. The brand is also preparing to launch a location at 471 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, according to its website.
What’s on the Menu?
Haraz Coffee House offers a menu that blends traditional Yemeni flavors with modern tastes. Highlights include:
- Harazi: Coffee infused with cardamom and cream
- Adeni/Karak Chai: Black tea mixed with cream and a signature Haraz spice blend
- Espresso-based beverages
- Pastries: Options like milk cake and Istanbul cheesecake drizzled with Nutella
The Marshall Street addition will bring a new cultural and culinary experience to the area, introducing students and residents alike to the rich heritage of Yemeni coffee.
Further updates on the shop’s opening and offerings are expected in the coming weeks.