A popular family-owned bakery and café is growing its footprint in Haverhill with a second location now underway in Bradford.
According to a Facebook update shared by The Valley Dish, Dar Rafiki’s is currently renovating a new space at 687-719 South Main St in the Academy Plaza, next to Teos Tacos and New Moon Garden. The original Dar Rafiki’s continues to operate at 389 Main Street in downtown Haverhill.
Chef-owner Lhoussine Rafiq told the publication that the new location will be a noticeably larger space with expanded seating, designed to better accommodate the café’s growing customer base. He added that while the original shop’s smaller footprint helped build a loyal following over the years, the new café marks a shift toward a more spacious, sit-down experience.
Originally from Morocco, Rafiq began his culinary career in 2008 at the Westin Seaport. He later launched his first food truck in 2016 before opening the first Dar Rafiki’s brick-and-mortar café in 2022.
The bakery has become known for its cube croissants, flaky pastries, hearty sandwiches, authentic Moroccan dishes, and decadent cakes. Fan favorites include the Dubai Chocolate Cake, Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Lemon Danish, and rotating flavors of its signature Cube Croissant. Coffee and espresso-based beverages are also available.
“From the moment we opened our doors, our goal has been to bring fresh, handcrafted, and flavorful foods to our community, combining time-honored Moroccan traditions with modern culinary creativity,” reads Dar Rafiki’s website. “At Dar Rafiki’s, we believe every visit should be more than a meal; it should be an experience.”
An official opening date for the new location has not yet been announced, though construction is actively underway. Once the Bradford café opens, Rafiq intends to operate both locations while he evaluates the long-term future of the downtown Haverhill storefront.
What Now Boston has reached out to the Dar Rafiki’s team for further details and will share updates as they become available.
