Good news is brewing for local coffee lovers.
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. is opening a second location in the Fresno area, according to co-owner Nagi Alazani.
It’s part of a strategy to connect with more customers, Alzani said.
Yemeni coffee shops are trending in the Fresno area, with several chains expanding their local footprint or opening in the region for the first time.
Zahi Saleh, owner of Mokha Habor Cafe in Fresno, believes the key factor driving the trend is the chance to share a piece of Yemeni culture.
“Our product is unique, especially for coffee lovers,” he explained. “The way it’s grown and roasted makes it stand out.”
“Customers love our adeni chai, which you’ll find at all Yemeni coffee shops, creating a familiar taste,” he added.
Here’s what to know about the newest addition to Fresno’s coffee scene:
What is Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.?
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. is part of a chain with roughly 50 locations nationwide.
That includes about 10 coffee shops in California.
Alazani and Shehab Zamzami opened the chain’s first Fresno location in June 2025.
The coffee shop is at 6525 North Riverside Drive, Suite 101, in the Marketplace El Paseo, shopping center near Highway 99.
Alazani and Zamzami, who were both born in Yemen, have been friends for years and roomed together at UC Irvine, The Fresno Bee previously reported. They’re also distant cousins.
“Coffee is a big part of who we are,” Alazani told The Bee in August. 2025.
A honeycomb pastry and coffee served up at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. in northwest Fresno. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com Where is new coffee shop opening in Fresno?
Fresno’s newest Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. location will open at 6825 North Willow Ave., No. 101, in a shopping center that includes a Walmart Neighborhood Market store.
The roughly 2,400-square-foot space was previously occupied by Japanese restaurant Kunisama, which closed in 2025.
Alazani said the new Qamaria coffee shop, which should comfortably accommodate 70 to 80 customers, will not have a drive-thru option like the original cafe.
However, the new location will boast more space and comfortable seating, a bigger dine-in area and patio, according to Alazani.
“We want to create a welcoming environment with power outlets and fast Wi-Fi for everyone,” he said.
How close is new restaurant to Fresno State?
The new coffee shop is just a five-minute drive from Fresno State.
Alazani said he and his partner wanted to open a Yemeni coffee shop closer to campus and attract customers from nearby Clovis. “We wanted to be more accessible to that side of town,” he said.
Alazani hopes that the new cafe will attract many university students.
Lucine Ohanian, a fourth-year psychology major at Fresno State, currently drives 20 minutes to visit Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.’s Riverside Drive location twice a week.
She finds the cafe’s atmosphere, and the Yemeni and Arabic music that plays in the background, particularly inviting.
“It feels like a home away from home,” Ohanian told The Bee at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. on Monday.
The Fresno State student was thrilled to learn about the new coffee shop.
“That would be really helpful and save me a lot of driving time,” she said.
When will new Willow Avenue cafe open?
According to Alazani, construction on the new Fresno coffee shop has begun and received city approval. “We hope to open the cafe within the next three months, aiming for a new year debut,” he said.
Nagi Alazani prepares a cup of Yemeni coffee at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., which he recently opened in the Marketplace at El Paseo with partner Shehab Zanzam. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com What’s on the menu at Yemeni coffee shop?
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. will share a menu with the original Fresno location, Alazani said.
“Our drink menu features traditional bases, especially lattes and regular coffees, along with refreshers and smoothies for those avoiding caffeine,” Alazani said.
Highlights include Turkish coffee, adeni tea and a pistachio latte.
Other menu options include croissants, traditional Yemeni pastries, tres leches cake and cheesecake in a variety of flavors. Pistachio, Oreo and mango top the list of customer favorites.
Honeycomb bread stuffed with cream cheese is also a big favorite.
Alazani said all of the chain’s coffee is sourced directly from Yemen.
“The flavor is distinctive,” he said. “We incorporate various spices, creating a unique coffee experience unlike what you’d typically find.”
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. recently opened at the Marketplace at El Paseo in northwest Fresno. It will soon have a drive-up window as well. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com What are open hours at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.?
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. will be open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The coffee shop will be open 8 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday.
According to Alazani, Fresno lacks options for late-night coffee spots.
“Most places close by evening, leaving you with limited choices,” he said. “We’ve noticed a trend among young people moving away from typical bar scenes. They’re seeking spaces to gather without the drinking atmosphere.”
Ohanian echoed that idea.
“Mostly, cafes close early in Fresno, so I love coming here to enjoy coffee and do my schoolwork,” she said
Is new Fresno business hiring?
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. plans to hire around 20 part-time employees.
“We’re looking for students who want part-time jobs,” Alazani said.
Applications can be submitted via Instagram at @QamariaFresno.
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This story was originally published September 23, 2026 at 11:18 AM.
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Gagandeep Singh is a service journalism reporter for The Fresno Bee. He holds a master’s degree in politics and global affairs from Columbia University. Prior to working at The Bee, he worked as a freelancer for CalMatters, BBC News and the Los Angeles Times. He focuses on migration, education, criminal justice and the South Asian diaspora in California.