Meet the Founders of Moka & Co - Vogue Michigan

Vogue Michigan interviews Moka & Co.'s founders on the vision and history behind Moka & Co. Moka & Co. emerged from the shared vision of five passionate friends who sought to bridge cultures through Yemen's ancient coffee traditions. Founded by Mohamed Elgahmi—a physician-entrepreneur born in Sanaa, Yemen—the company was born from a desire to create an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds could experience authentic Yemeni coffee, moving beyond traditional Middle Eastern-focused establishments.

Yemeni coffee is rare and premium, and the way we source and craft it reflects that. Our commitment to organically grown, ethically sourced coffee speaks to a younger, purpose-driven audience, and it aligns with our belief that coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a story, a ritual, and a connection to history. — Mohamed Elgahmi, Moka & Co. Founder

Learn about the diverse founding team: Donald Walker (brand strategy), Numan Ali (CEO) and Basheer Shahbain (COO). Together, they've preserved Yemen's coffee heritage while embracing modern Western aesthetics.Despite facing significant challenges—including supply chain complexities due to Yemen's political unrest, rising coffee tariffs, and maintaining consistency across rapid expansion—Moka & Co. achieved extraordinary success, opening 24 locations within just two years. Their commitment to direct sourcing from Yemeni farmers ensures fair trade practices while delivering beans with unparalleled flavors cultivated in Yemen's unique mountainous microclimates.

This remarkable journey represents more than business success; it embodies cultural preservation, community building, and the power of entrepreneurial vision to transform how we experience coffee in the modern world.