“The feeling that I created something and it’s alive now. The feeling of proudness. The idea of this becoming a favorite place for a lot of people—it’s heartwarming”.

Coffee first became a part of Ahmad Alhabbal's life in 2015 back in Cairo, Egypt, where he helped his friends run a coffeehouse. In 2016, he moved to the United States and discovered a coffee company called 1951 in Berkeley, California—a non-profit specialty coffee organization that supports the refugee community.

1951 Coffee Company’s dedication to the well-being of the refugee community is conveyed through providing job trainings, employment opportunities, and community education. One of their most notable initiatives is the 1951 Coffee Barista Training Program, which aims to teach refugees, asylum seekers, and other humanitarian immigrants the fundamentals of coffee. The program also supports participants in navigating the job search process, assisting them with interviews, paperwork, and understanding the dynamics of the American workplace.

Through 1951 Coffee Company, Ahmad was able to secure a job at Blue Bottle Coffee. After working for Blue Bottle Coffee from 2017 to 2019, Ahmad relocated to Pittsburgh where he took on a variety of jobs while working as a barista for different coffee shops around the Pittsburgh area. Alongside his coffee career, Ahmad studied graphic design at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). All the cup designs are done by him.

Ahmad isn't sure when the wish first took root, but opening his own coffee shop surely planted itself as a dream over time. After moving to Pittsburgh, he realized it could be financially feasible, and the dream began to grow into a more tangible goal.

In June of last year, Ahmad decided to take a leap of courage and signed the lease for Novaria Coffee Co. located on 1812 Penn Ave in the Strip District. What began as a simple wish to open a coffee shop gradually evolved into a deep passion—a dream to create a safe, welcoming space for the Pittsburgh community.

Ahmad’s personal order of coffee? A cortado.

*A little fun fact: Back in Egypt, Ahmad studied Media and Communication Art and worked in interactive theatre as an actor!