This is part of our ongoing Business Spotlight series, which interviews local Columbia Heights Main Street business owners.
Today’s post features Yahya Sardari—a local DC resident and owner of Coffy Cafe (3310 14th St. NW). Coffy Cafe is best known for its delicious crepes, ’60s theme, and relaxed neighborhood vibe.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
Coffy Cafe on 14th Street NW has been in business since 2012. I took over in 2015 and improved it tremendously. I was always in the food business, I always wanted to open up a restaurant and work for myself.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I lived in many places in the world, such as Iran (motherland), Switzerland, France, and the US. I moved to the US and lived in Indiana for two years, then moved to Boston and finished my studies at Boston University. I started working at the Meridien Hotel Boston as an apprentice Chef, then Chef de Cuisine. I worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in Boston. After a while I moved to the front of the house managing restaurants and finally became General Manager and Territory Manager for Johnny Rockets (1992-2013). In 2013 I moved to DMV and made this lovely city my home.
What is unique about your business?
Coffy Cafe is a comfortable place where neighbors come together over a cup of coffee, or students work on their laptop and break for lunch to have a delicious chicken club sandwich or an artisan panini sandwich.
Are you still operating during COVID-19? In what ways?
Coffy Café is currently open inside and outside, with limited capacity. We ask that you please wear your face mask. You can also order for delivery or takeout via Postmates and UberEats. We are strictly following all DC guidelines to keep employees and patrons safe.
How can the community support you right now?
In order for us to survive this pandemic, we need the support of our community, our friends and neighbors. Please come in and support your small business. Our food is delicious and we have many meal specials that you can take home.
What is your favorite thing about this community?
I love Columbia Heights for its diversity and its sense of neighborhood.
If you could tell all of the residents in the Mount Pleasant Main Street area one thing, what would it be?
We need your support, we’re all in this together 🙂
Editor’s Note: You can follow Coffy Cafe for daily specials and more on Facebook and Instagram.
Often when people hear the term ‘Main Street’, they think about business corridors. But many people do not think about the stress and loneliness that many business owners experience while navigating the hurdles of entrepreneurship and running a business—especially during an unprecedented pandemic. Main Street programs all over the country work to make sure that business owners have an advocate and support system so that your favorite local coffee shop or tailor can keep their doors open. Help us continue doing our work by chipping in $10, $100, $1,000 by visiting districtbridges.org/donate.
