A new traditional coffee shop is finally coming to Maryland, bringing more diverse local options. For years, familiar chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks have dominated the area, offering convenience but little variety and culture. With locations across the United States and Canada, Qamaria, a well-known and widely loved Yemeni coffee shop, is finally opening a franchise in Laurel, Maryland. The grand opening date is anticipated to take place on Friday, May, 15th, 2026.

Qamaria management explains that their goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment for their customers. “When you come into our shop, it should feel like home.” the owner describes. “Whether it’s a barista, a manager, a customer, a child, everyone should feel as though they’re all [part of] the same community.” When designing the space, the team intentionally included elements to make the shop feel elegant and trendy, yet clean and simple. The purpose of this is to provide customers with a sense of comfort and belonging while avoiding creating pressure to dress a certain way in order to fit in with the environment. Whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, the space is designed to feel inviting and comfortable for everyone.

The geometric design, earthy color scheme and flexible seating promote an inviting atmosphere. “We have cushions everywhere and a floor seating area. All this diversity in seating allows people to feel more at home and experience something different each time they come,” the owner relays.

This local Qamaria franchise has three operating principles: kindness, connectedness and consistency. The management and staff prioritize making customers feel valued, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that all items served (and ingredients used) are high quality, cultivating customer satisfaction. “Qamaria spends a lot of time perfecting its products. No matter who’s working in the shop, you want to make sure that what is being made is consistent and always top notch”, the owner adds. This focus highlights the broader goal of creating a carefully curated product selection pertaining to each individual; ensuring consistency, reliability and that every customer has a positive experience overall. “Unlike large chain coffee shops that rely on automated, push-button machines, Qamaria takes a hands-on approach to every drink. Each cup is crafted with precision-ground coffee and carefully measured brew ratios, with milk steamed by hand.”

Qamaria has so much more to offer than ‘just coffee’. Their extensive menu ensures that they have something for everyone. From espresso, matcha, refreshers and traditional teas, to various bakery items, there is a wide range of options designed to suit different tastes and preferences. “I think what we’re offering here is going to be different. Coffee’s been around for centuries. We’re trying to go back to what coffee shops were supposed to be.” The atmosphere of the shop and details of the space are each designed to connect. Whether it’s through the layout, the seating, the overall environment, “It’s a form of therapy. Not just the drink and caffeine, but the experience.”