Starbucks in Dearborn Becomes Yemeni Cafe - Detroit Free Press

Moka & Co. is transforming a former Starbucks location at 12921 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn into a cultural sanctuary celebrating Yemen's ancient coffee heritage. The Starbucks closed on August 24, 2025, as part of the company's standard portfolio evaluation, with employees transferring to nearby locations. The Dearborn location will preserve the site's unique drive-through feature—originally one of two car wash tunnels at the adjacent Fairlane Car Wash—alongside an outdoor patio for community gathering. Moka & Co. operates roasteries in both Michigan and New York, supporting six existing Michigan locations, all opened within the past year. The brand's rapid expansion includes locations across Arizona and New York, with forthcoming cafés planned for California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

The Dearborn location, strategically positioned at the busy Michigan Avenue and Oakman corner near Interstate 94, expects to open this fall. This expansion represents more than business growth—it embodies a cultural bridge, introducing Michigan's diverse communities to the rich traditions and distinctive flavors of Yemen's time-honored coffee craftsmanship.

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