A new coffee spot founded in Michigan is coming to DFW: Called Haraz Coffee House, it's one in a wave of shops specializing in coffee from Yemen, and it's opening on the east side of Plano in a new complex at 4345 14th St. called Ladera Heights.

According to founder Hamzah Nasser, it'll open in mid-May, and will be the first location in the DFW area.

Haraz specializes in Yemeni- and Turkish-style coffees and espresso-based drinks, and imports its beans from Yemeni farmers.

Nasser was born in Yemen and came to the U.S. when he was 5. He founded the concept in Michigan, which boasts a large population of Yemeni immigrants, after traveling throughout the Middle East where he became inspired by the buzzy coffee culture.

He attributes a growing interest in Yemeni-style coffee to a generational movement that intends to shift the agricultural balance back to coffee, just as it was decades ago.

"Yemen is well known for coffee distribution worldwide, and this used to be the backbone in economy of the country," he says.

He says that tradition was lost with the increase of khat, a stimulant drug that consumes much of the country's agricultural resources.

"Our ancestors built a country and an economy of coffee, and then that drug came to Yemen, and it took over everything," Nasser says. "We are the generation that wants to bring that coffee culture back."

In fact, Nasser, who deals directly with coffee growers, says he often offers additional money for farmers to switch from khat to coffee.

Since opening the first location in Dearborn, Michigan in 2021, Nasser has overseen an expansion with four locations in Michigan and three more on the books, as well as an expansion outside Michigan with franchisees who've opened two shops in Louisville, Kentucky, and one in Sugarland, southwest of Houston, which opened in March.

"All of our franchisees have been customers that believed in the brand and its emphasis on organic, sun-dried coffee beans," Nasser says.

The coffee is from Yemen, but they use a variety of brewing methods including Yemeni, Turkish, Saudi, and American. Many of their drinks incorporate spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.

Specialty drinks include:

• Haraz Latte: Double shot of espresso with Haraz spiceMaleki: Coffee and husks, with ginger, cinnamon, and light cream
• Saffron Latte: Double shot of espresso with saffron and honey (there is also a caramel version of this drink)
• Adeni/Karak Chai: Premium black tea with heavy cream and Haraz spice
• Harazi: Coffee with cardamon and cream

The Plano location comes with a kitchen, so they'll also offer items baked in house such as Bee Bites (cream cheese-filled bread drizzled with honey or syrup), coffee cakes, and cheesecake, including an Istanbul version, covered with Nutella.

The design will include certain Haraz trademarks, Nasser says.

"Our stores have a modern yet traditional look, bringing the Western and Middle Eastern cultures together," he says. "All stores feature a historic timeline through a map on the wall that illustrates the Yemeni influence on coffee history throughout the world."

The Yemeni population in Texas is smaller than in Michigan but Nasser sees opportunity in Texas' growing economy. He's already scouting for locations in Frisco and Irving.

"And Haraz Coffee House welcomes a much larger and more diverse clientele, who appreciate the rich flavors of Yemeni coffee," he says.