Today we’d like to introduce you to Mohamed Elgahmi.
Hi Mohamed , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Moka & Co. is the result of a shared passion among a diverse group of friends—Mohamed Elgahmi, Donald Walker, Basheer Shahbain, Numan Ali, and Maged Qaid. The inspiration for Moka & Co. grew from Mohamed Elgahmi’s vision to bridge two worlds: his Yemeni roots and his American upbringing. Unlike traditional Yemeni coffee shops that primarily cater to Middle Eastern communities, Mo envisioned an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds could experience and appreciate the rich history and distinctive flavors of Yemeni coffee. He sought to break away from the limitations of Western coffee culture, which often overlooks coffee’s deep history, unique cultivation techniques, and ancient spiced blends.
To bring this vision to life, Mo partnered with his longtime friend and business collaborator, Donald Walker, who took the lead on developing Moka & Co.’s brand strategy. Donald Walker, a gifted brand strategist and longtime partner to Mo, shaped Moka & Co.’s identity with his expertise in crafting impactful, resonant brands. His strategic vision and brand leadership laid the foundation that guided the blending of Eastern and Western aesthetics and fostered the café’s sense of community and tradition.
Supporting this vision were Numan, Maged, and Basheer, who joined the team to guide operations, strategy, and expansion. Numan Ali, the Chief Executive Officer of Moka & Co., a pharmacist by education, has over 20 years of business expertise in leading successful franchises and brand development with renowned names like Planet Fitness and Tim Hortons. Numan’s precision and methodical approach continuously drives Moka & Co.’s hypergrowth expansion strategy with the goal of elevating Yemeni coffee on the global stage.
Basheer Shahbain, the COO of Moka & Co, a former Cardiothoracic Nurse Practitioner, was chosen as the visionary leader to spearhead Moka & Co.’s ambitious expansion into New York City. Beginning with the first location in Astoria, NY, Basheer set out to win the hearts of New York’s loyal coffee enthusiasts by creating a coffee experience where modern culture and Yemeni coffee heritage seamlessly intertwine. His dedication to craftsmanship and exceptional coffee paved the way for the Moka & Co flagship location in the heart of Herald Square which features handcrafted interiors that pay homage to Yemeni artistry.
And finally, Maged, the Regional Manager for Moka & Co., is crucial in maintaining operational excellence and fostering a vibrant team culture across New York locations. Responsible for managing staff, logistics, scheduling, and crisis mitigation, he ensured each store operated seamlessly and never compromised customer satisfaction.
Staying true to their commitment to sustainability, quality, and integrity, our team at Moka & Co. sourced its coffee beans directly from Yemen’s mountainous regions. These regions, known for their traditional farming methods and unique microclimates, yield beans with unparalleled flavors. Each batch was carefully roasted by skilled artisans to bring out its natural aromas. At the same time, partnerships with Yemeni farmers ensured fair trade practices, reinvestment into local communities, and opportunities for empowerment.
Within just two years, Moka & Co. achieved a remarkable milestone, opening 24 locations—a feat that many in the industry take decades to accomplish. This success is a testament to the team’s dedication to creating an experience that bridges cultures, celebrates heritage, and redefines what a coffee shop can be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; growth rarely is. At Moka & Co., we expanded rapidly. However, scaling the brand while maintaining flexibility and consistency has been one of our greatest challenges, as every community we serve is unique in its tastes, stories, and needs. Navigating the complexities of our supply chain added further hurdles, especially since our coffee is directly sourced from Yemen—a region that has faced political unrest. Importing this rare coffee during such times required persistence and a steadfast commitment to our mission.
More recently, the increase in coffee tariffs has made maintaining fair pricing without compromising the quality of our organic, carefully-curated blends more challenging than ever. Beyond the coffee itself, staying true to using 100% organic ingredients—whether locally sourced or imported—requires constant diligence in a world where convenience often overshadows sustainability. Yet these challenges reaffirm our purpose. They remind us why we are here—to change how people experience coffee and create connections that transcend borders.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
All of our founders come from business backgrounds. Perhaps one of the most interesting stories is about Mohamed Elgami who is both a businessman and a licensed physician. Mo’s story is one deeply rooted in resilience, cultural heritage, and a passion for bringing people together through coffee and community.
Born in Sanaa, Yemen, Mo moved to the United States with his family at the age of six. His parents, seeking refuge from political unrest, started a new chapter in the restaurant industry upon their arrival. Growing up, Mo quickly inherited their entrepreneurial spirit. His first experience in business came early—he started as a paper delivery boy and soon managed a delivery route, gaining invaluable lessons in perseverance and customer service.
Every summer, Mo’s family would return to Yemen, a tradition that nurtured his connection to his roots. These visits instilled in him a deep appreciation for Yemeni culture, particularly the role of coffee. This cultural significance later became a guiding influence in Mohamed’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
Recognizing the challenges Middle Eastern immigrants faced in accessing authentic Yemeni coffee and goods, Mohamed launched a business in the import/export sector. His dedication to fair trade and community involvement led him to partner directly with Yemeni farmers, ensuring they received fair prices while supplying high-quality beans to local coffee shops. These relationships laid the foundation for trust within the community and allowed him to expand his portfolio of ventures. Mohamed played a pivotal role in helping establish and franchise Yemeni coffee shops, thus supporting the growth of cultural businesses while honoring his heritage.
While running Moka & Co., Mo continues to dedicate himself to his role as a physician, balancing his time between the café and the emergency room. This dual commitment to both his local and professional communities reflects his unwavering belief in service and giving back. His story is a testament to the power of cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and community-driven values—qualities that are the heartbeat of every Moka & Co. founder.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks is inherent to being an entrepreneur, especially in an industry as competitive and saturated as the coffee business. At Moka & Co., we embraced risk as a gateway to innovation and purpose. From the beginning, we set out to disrupt the traditional landscape of coffee by bringing something truly unique to the market—combining Yemen’s rich coffee heritage with modern Western values and aesthetics. 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.
Of course, our path was not without its challenges. Starting Moka & Co., we knew that launching a Yemeni specialty coffee brand in a competitive market would demand bold decisions. But we believed in our vision, and that belief, combined with incredible teamwork, gave us the confidence to take calculated risks. Our rapid growth was the result of a founding team with deep trust and diverse expertise which also mitigated potential risks and strengthened every aspect of our business.
Ultimately, our perspective on risk-taking is deeply tied to purpose. For us, it’s not about reckless gambles but about making decisions that reflect our values and push boundaries for a meaningful cause. By choosing to preserve Yemen’s coffee heritage and creating spaces for connection and community, we’re redefining how coffee is experienced in the modern world—all while contributing to sustainable and equitable trade practices. For us, that’s a risk worth taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mokanco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mokacocoffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mokacocoffee/
