Fresno’s dining scene will soon welcome a new coffee shop serving rich flavors from the Middle East.
Sana’a Cafe is opening its first Fresno location, bringing traditional Yemeni coffee, warm spices, and an inviting atmosphere to the city.
T.J. Singh, director of acquisitions for Sana’a Cafe, said the coffee shop is designed to welcome everyone — families, students, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts alike.
“We want to introduce something distinct,” Singh told The Fresno Bee via phone. “It’s about sharing a rich heritage and historic coffee tradition — inviting people to experience unique spices, tastes, and flavors in every cup.”
Where’s what to know:
What is Sana’a Cafe?
Sana’a Cafe got its start in San Francisco in 2023. It’s named after Yemen’s constitutional capital city.
Since then, the chain has expanded rapidly, growing to 16 locations across California and one in Washington state.
That includes two coffee shops in the Sacramento area.
Singh said Sana’a Cafe plans to open 20 more locations over the next year.
Where is new Fresno coffee shop?
Sana’a Cafe’s newest location will occupy a roughly 6,000-square-foot space at 4470 West Shaw Ave. in Fresno near Costco Wholesale.
“It’s a large space coming into a building that has been empty for a while,” Singh said.
He said the company’s leaders were drawn to Fresno after studying its neighborhood demographics, accessibility and cultural mix.
“We were attracted to this area because it’s a very diverse community with a vibrant local economy,” Singh said. “There aren’t many places where people can gather without a typical bar setting. We wanted to create a space that offers community, culture, and connection.”
Fresno is home to one of California’s largest Yemeni populations, trailing behind Oakland.
The Central Valley city is home to roughly 1,200 Yemeni residents, according to data platform ZipAtlas.
When will new Shaw Avenue coffeehouse open?
Singh said Sana’a Cafe’s Fresno location is currently undergoing the city permitting process and interior demolition.
“It will take a few months as we complete demolition and secure the remaining city permits,” Singh said. “We expect the cafe to open in early 2027.”
Sana’a Cafe opened at 2505 S. 38th St. in Tacoma in August 2025, serving Yemeni coffee, Adeni tea and Middle Eastern-style pastries. Clockwise from top: chicken fatayer, saffron tres leches, sabayah.
What’s on the menu at Sana’a Cafe?
Rather than running a full kitchen on-site, Sana’a Cafe relies on central bakeries to supply its signature pastries and desserts.
Sana’a Cafe’s menu features espresso drinks such as cappucinos and lattes, as well as specialty drinks such as spiced adeni chai and Turkish coffee.
Pastries include pistachio milk cake, honeycomb cake, tiramisu and Dubai chocolate cheesecake.
Diners can also choose from food options such as chicken shawarma and beef turnovers.
Prices for drinks and desserts will average between $5 and $7, Singh said.
“We don’t aim for overly high prices, though cost varies by market depending on rent,” Singh said. “Prices naturally shift from location to location.”
According to Singh, the cafe plans to offer discounts to law enforcement officers.
Is new Fresno business hiring?
Sana’a Cafe expects to hire 20 to 30 employees once city permits are approved.
Singh said that job seekers will be able to apply online through the company’s website.
Where else are Sana’a Cafe locations opening in California?
Fresno isn’t the only Central Valley city on Sana’a Cafe’s expansion list.
The chain is set to open its third location in the Sacramento area at Arden Fair mall during the first week of September, Singh said.
A Modesto location will open by the end of this year, Singh said, although he declined to disclose the new coffee shop’s exact location and opening date.
More details will be announced closer to opening, he said.