Tahani Hassan and Mohammed Awad, a married couple, are opening Cafe Tabeeb in the South Loop. The cafe will offer hot and cold coffee drinks using primarily single-origin beans from around the world.

Coffee Education Journey

The couple’s journey into the world of coffee began when they met at a coffee shop on their first date. Awad, an orthopedic surgeon, was initially drawn to coffee as a way to stay awake during long nights of studying. However, as he delved deeper into the world of coffee, he discovered a rich history and complex flavor notes.

Hassan, previously a social worker, joined her husband on this journey, and together they began to explore the world of specialty coffee. They attended a Chicago specialty coffee convention, where they met a Jamaican coffee farm owner who invited them to visit his farm.

The couple’s visit to the Jamaican coffee farm was a life-changing experience, and they eventually invested in the farm, helping to replant trees destroyed by a hurricane. They also began gifting bags of their roasted beans to friends, who encouraged them to take their passion to the next level.

Cafe Design and Community Space

Cafe Tabeeb is designed to be a community space, with a 12-seat communal table made of walnut and a cozy atmosphere. The couple hopes to host events and coffee education classes in the evenings, making the cafe a hub for social activity in the South Loop.

The cafe will offer a variety of coffee drinks, including pour-over tastings of specialty and seasonal coffees from around the world. There will also be baked goods from a local vendor and a selection of teas and refreshers.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.