Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Sunday, October 1
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Donate
    • Subscribe
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Business»New EP coffee shop offers a unique mix of ethnic foods, beverages and fashion
    Business

    New EP coffee shop offers a unique mix of ethnic foods, beverages and fashion

    Greg OlsonBy Greg OlsonMarch 14, 2023Updated:March 14, 20233 Mins Read
    Ikran Omar, the owner of Kifaax Coffee Shop, serves customers behind the counter at the shop’s location at 8789 Columbine Road in Eden Prairie. The coffee shop opened last December. Photo by Greg Olson

    As the population of Eden Prairie continues to become more diverse, businesses are also expanding to cater to the community’s growing multiculturalism. One example is the Kifaax Coffee Shop, which opened in December near the Eden Prairie Post Office in Anderson Lakes Center.

    Besides coffee and other African and Middle Eastern beverages, Kifaax Coffee Shop also features a unique array of East African foods, drinks, and women’s fashion clothing. All the women’s clothing for sale is imported from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The shop also features shoes, scarves, and Somali headgear.

    Kifaax Coffee Shop is a family business owned by Ikran Omar. Along with her two brothers, they operate the store at 8789 Columbine Road, seven days a week, from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.

    Although the shop has quickly become a gathering spot for Somali and Arabic immigrants, Omar says its popularity is growing among many ethnicities. She says that she is especially focused on her food and beverage selections.

    “People love my sambusas [pastries containing chicken or beef], espressos, and fresh smoothies,” Omar says. “We also offer fresh juices from both fruits and vegetables.” She looks forward to summer when she’ll be selling her brand of ice cream rolls.

    Omar, a native of Somalia, has been in America for 10 years with her family. Although they have lived in Minnesota for much of this time, she admits that winters are difficult. “I don’t like winters,” she said. “I hate the cold.”

    Sambusas, which are fried pastries filled with meat and are popular in Somalia, are featured on the menu at Kifaax Coffee Shop. Photo by Gillian Holte

    Instead, she looks forward to rainy weather. When asked why, she explained that as a child in Somalia, “my friends and I used to play all the time outside during the rainy season.”

    In addition to running a small business, Omar is a mother of four young children. Even with such a full schedule, though, she manages to make time to serve the local community as a volunteer, giving rides to people who need transportation or help with delivering groceries and drug prescriptions.

    “I am excited to have my business here,” she said. “And I look forward to growing even bigger in the next few years.”

    Women’s fashion clothing is on display at the store. Photo by Greg Olson
    The counter at the shop offers a wide selection of ready-to-eat food and beverage items. Photo by Greg Olson
    Scarves, cosmetics, and accessory items are also on display. Photo by Greg Olson
    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe

    Comments

    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleInvestigation begins into Flying Cloud plane crash that injured three
    Next Article Harry Peter ‘Bud’ Grant Jr.

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Business briefs: Iowa credit union acquires EP bank; Boba tea shop at EP mall rebrands

    September 30, 2023
    2 Mins Read

    Business briefs: Elucent Medical expands manufacturing space; Winnebago Industries VP honored for diversity efforts; Deka Lash celebrates grand opening

    September 27, 2023
    3 Mins Read

    UnitedHealth Group to relocate headquarters to EP

    September 21, 2023
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    A little more shade at Riley Lake Park

    September 30, 2023

    Business briefs: Iowa credit union acquires EP bank; Boba tea shop at EP mall rebrands

    September 30, 2023

    Turning pain into purpose: Family champions mental health awareness in memory of son

    September 29, 2023

    Powderpuff’s ‘Huddle to Heal’: Raising funds, awareness for mental health

    September 29, 2023

    Lane closures scheduled for Technology Drive starting Oct. 2

    September 29, 2023
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2023
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.