The Arabic word “raha” translates to “comfort” or “peace of mind,” which is what the founders of the new Rahha Café say they hope to bring to Midtown.
The cafe is readying to open inside the Hannan Center at 4750 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
The founders include alumni of nearby Wayne State University and first-generation immigrants from Yemen, Iraq, Palestine, and Pakistan, who say they wanted to create a space with affordable breakfast and lunch options for students and workers in the neighborhood.
Fadel Al-Marsoumi describes the concept as “a modern brunch place that blends Middle Eastern flavors with Detroit’s brunch culture,” and hopes it will be “bringing together faculty, staff, and neighbors across Midtown.”
The menu is focused on Yemeni coffee and Adeni chai, known for their bold flavors.
“Yemeni coffee is actually one of the oldest and most distinct coffees in the world,” Al-Marsoumi says. “It dates back to 500 years.” The Arabica beans are spiced and dried in the sun, resulting in a taste Al-Marsoumi describes as “chocolatey and earthy flavored.”
The menu will also feature typical American fare like pancakes and waffles.
The restaurant seats about 70 and occupies a space that previously held Mediterranean and soul food restaurants. The Hannan Center is a long-standing nonprofit that serves older adults in the neighborhood with social programs including an art gallery, which is why the owners say they wanted to create something simple and inclusive.
“We’re not trying to cater to a very extravagant model where prices are very expensive,” says Ramzy Aiyash. “Our main demographic is Wayne State students and hospital employees, and just employees in the area in general.”
He adds, “If you’re a student who needs a quick bite, if you’re somebody at the VA hospital that needs to grab a bagel, we’re in line with that kind of price. We’re here for the neighborhood. We grew up in the area, we know what it’s like.”
In addition to Al-Marsoumi and Aiyash, the restaurant team also includes Farook Salah, Ahmad Abu-Zahra and Rafid Al-Marsoumi
Rahha Café is set to celebrate its grand opening from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, with a ribbon-cutting at 12:30 p.m.