Shotted is a gateway to Saudi culture in the busy Tysons Corner Center of Washington D.C. The heartwarming aroma of Arabian coffee and the rich flavors of Saudi blend is too much to resist. Shotted is alluring to the American Arab and more.
Bandar Al-Henaki, founder of Shotted – a Saudi specialty café, says he wanted to introduce Americans to the authentic taste of Saudi coffee. He started Shotted as a pop-up concept in 2019 and appeared at festivals and universities around Washington. Al-Henaki seized coffee hour, an event at a university, where he attracted the masses with his hot beverage and free samples. And in 2020, he went brick and mortar.
“We saw the incredible potential of the specialty coffee industry in Saudi Arabia, and we believed that the US market was ready for a new standard and an upgrade in the guest experience that we witness in the Kingdom.” Al-Henaki maintains the authenticity of Saudi coffee and desserts. He has also adapted to the preferences of local customers, which was a crucial challenge but a catalyst for positive growth.
Al-Henaki shared that Shotted – the café has now become a gathering place for all because of its community-oriented approach. “We wanted to create a space that goes beyond just serving coffee. The café offers a social and family-friendly atmosphere, free of hookah and alcohol, providing an alternative to the typical nightlife scene prevalent in the United States.”
He said their goal is to share Saudi Arabian hospitality and flavors indirectly. “We aim to influence the local community positively and provide an alternative space for socialization and cultural exchange.”
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