Qisa Coffee, the Yemeni-inspired cafe that debuted in Curtis Park in 2024, is gearing up for a second Sacramento shop, this time in Natomas. Owner Abdul Aziz says the new location should be ready in roughly two to three months and will bring Peshawari flavors like cardamom, pink chai and savory sandwiches to North Natomas.
Where it's headed and when
The Natomas outpost is planned for 2121 Natomas Crossing Dr., inside the North Natomas Place shopping center. Aziz told reporters the build-out is expected to take about two to three months. The expansion was teased on Qisa’s social channels, and he has described the new cafe as an "upgrade" of the Curtis Park original, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Menu, roasting and what to expect
Qisa’s current lineup already leans into specialty cold drinks, including an Iced Pistachio Latte, Iced Rose Latte and a Turkish Cold Brew. The brand says it roasts its own beans and pairs them with sweets and small bites on the menu. It bills itself as a "Taste of Peshawar," blending Yemeni and Peshawari influences with a modern coffee program, according to Qisa Coffee.
Roots and the Qissa inspiration
Aziz, who immigrated to Sacramento from Peshawar, Pakistan, in 2015, says Qisa draws inspiration from the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, a storied marketplace where people traditionally shared stories over tea. Before opening the Curtis Park cafe, he ran a Baklava and Coffee pop-up at the downtown farmers market in 2024. He told reporters, "With every sip, it starts a story," according to The Sacramento Bee.
What it means for Sacramento's coffee scene
The Natomas expansion lands in the middle of a broader Sacramento wave of multicultural and Yemeni-style coffeehouses, which are bringing cardamom-forward and floral flavor profiles to local menus. Coverage of the trend points to a run of new, diverse coffee concepts entering the market as owners respond to strong neighborhood demand and curiosity, per the Sacramento Business Journal.
Aziz says the Natomas cafe will give Qisa more room to expand its menu, showcase additional roasting and roll out a larger pastry case. The Curtis Park shop will remain the brand’s home base while the team finishes the new build-out. For opening updates and menu details, Qisa directs customers to its website and social channels, according to Qisa Coffee.
