Downtown Oklahoma City just got a new spot where your caffeine fix does double duty. Asante Coffee & Lounge, run by local nonprofit the Maisha Project, opened Friday in a ground-floor space at Regency Tower, pouring espresso while pledging to send a portion of proceeds to fund school meals in Kenya.
Maisha's reach and why a cafe matters
Founded in 2006, the Maisha Project operates education, health and feeding programs in Kenya and leans on its U.S. presence to help pay for that work. The group's 2025 impact report says Maisha has reached more than 10,000 people and supports nearly 9,700 students on a daily feeding program, a number the nonprofit points to as proof that steady revenue helps keep meals on tables. According to Maisha Project, its U.S. operations also mobilize volunteers and partners that feed into program delivery abroad.
Asante Coffee Opens With Purpose
Beatrice Williamson, Maisha's founder and director, told The Oklahoman that "every cup truly makes a difference," and the paper reports the shop will be managed by Taylor Cox. The Oklahoman also notes that Maisha has hired single mothers from the metro to staff the lounge and relied on online coffee sales during the COVID pandemic to keep its programs running. The space most recently housed Krave Cafe, giving this stretch of downtown another morning and evening option.
Menu, beans and local operation
Asante's menu offers espresso drinks, sandwiches and smoothies, plus a small selection of alcoholic beverages, according to the cafe's ordering page. The shop also sells bags of Kenyan Asante Coffee, and vendor listings say a portion of proceeds goes back into Maisha's programs in Kenya. For ordering details and the full lineup, check the cafe's ordering page on Asante Coffee & Lounge along with product descriptions that explain the giving model.
Part of a broader downtown food shift
The Asante opening lands amid a run of downtown food and drink projects that try to mix hospitality with a mission, from museum tie-ins to new neighborhood cafes. Recently, a museum-hosted pastry spot drew attention for tapping into that same vibe, a strategy that can help purpose-driven operators find reliable foot traffic. That trend gives Maisha a shot at connecting with office workers, visitors and nearby residents who want local coffee with an impact angle.
As reported by The Oklahoman, a grand-opening event was scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, and Maisha's events page along with the cafe's ordering site carry the latest hours and visitor information. Organizers say the goal is straightforward: turn everyday purchases into reliable funding for meals at partner schools in Kenya while creating local, flexible jobs.
