Qatra Specialty Coffee is set to slide into the compact former Starbucks space in the Kroger Plaza at Westheimer Parkway and South Mason in Cinco Ranch, giving the shuttered storefront a second life. Owner Basil Aldabyani says that once the lease is finalized, he expects roughly a two-month build-out and is aiming for a late-summer or early-fall 2026 opening. In place of the old grab-and-go setup, he plans a specialty-focused bar built around carefully roasted beans, pour-overs and a more community-driven counter.
According to Covering Katy News, Qatra will officially assume the Westheimer Parkway Kroger Plaza spot after Starbucks relinquishes its lease in June, and Aldabyani first spotted the opportunity while reading local reactions to the closure. The outlet reports Qatra is planning about a two-month build-out and notes that some of the roasting will be handled at a facility on Westheimer Road in Houston. “To me, that just seemed awesome,” Aldabyani told the outlet.
A Texas-Born Brand With Yemeni Roots
Qatra opened its first shop in San Antonio in late 2023 and also lists a location in North Carolina, positioning the brand as a specialty roaster with a particular focus on Yemeni coffee. According to Qatra Specialty Coffee's website, the menu features iced lattes, pour-overs, espresso drinks, matcha and a lineup of Middle Eastern desserts. The company’s site and early locations highlight ethical sourcing along with community-centered events like tastings and workshops, signaling that the Katy-area shop is likely to lean into the same vibe.
What Happened To The Starbucks Spot
The former Kroger Plaza Starbucks on Westheimer Parkway is now listed as permanently closed on map services, according to MapQuest. That closure left a fully equipped space sitting idle, sparking neighborhood curiosity about what might move in next. Qatra’s plan to emphasize sit-down service and a sense of local familiarity is designed to fill the gap left by the shuttered store, while giving regulars a reason to linger instead of just dashing in for a quick caffeine fix.
When To Expect A Soft Opening
Covering Katy News reported that the Kroger Plaza Starbucks closed on Sept. 27, 2025 as part of a broader round of North American store reductions. With the lease relinquish date set for June, Qatra’s projected two-month build-out timeline points to an opening in late summer or early fall 2026 if everything stays on track. Nearby residents can expect to see construction activity and fresh signage at the storefront once the conversion work gets underway.
