A specialty coffee business known for its Ethiopian roasts and farmers market appearances is preparing to open its first permanent café in Cambridge.
Cini Coffee is currently under construction at 1175 Cambridge Street near Inman Square, marking a new chapter for the business after years of serving customers at markets throughout Greater Boston.
The café is part of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority’s (CRA) Neighbor Storefronts Project, which helps independent businesses access affordable retail space and establish a presence in Cambridge. Boutique grocery Momma’s Grocery + Wine and sustainable goods shop Green Tiger & Co. are also participating in the initiative.
For founder Nefisa Siraj, opening a storefront has been a longtime goal. Originally from Ethiopia, she began selling coffee at the Brighton Farmers Market in 2017, officially registering Cini Coffee as a business the following year. Since then, she has expanded to markets throughout Greater Boston and begun shipping her coffee to customers through her website.
The inspiration came after Siraj moved to the United States and struggled to find Ethiopian coffee with the flavors she remembered from home. Known for its naturally fruity and spicy notes, Ethiopian coffee needs little embellishment to shine, she says. “[Ethiopian] coffee is fruity and spicy. By nature, it doesn’t need anything to add to get a good flavor,” Siraj told What Now Boston. “So that flavorful coffee, I couldn’t find.”
As Cini Coffee grew, customers began seeking out Siraj’s coffee beyond the farmers market circuit. A permanent café will give those people a place to stop in for a cup throughout the day, rather than having to plan their visit around market hours. “That’s why the main thing I need is to open a store, so people can come and get a cup of coffee anytime,” Siraj said.
The 854-square-foot corner café is expected to seat around 25 to 28 people. Guests can look forward to Ethiopian coffee served hot or iced, including pour-over preparations, as well as matcha. The tea menu will feature Ethiopian moringa and other herbal teas, chai, and hibiscus tea, which has become a customer favorite.
Beyond the menu, Siraj hopes to recreate the sense of community she grew up with in Ethiopia, where coffee is often a reason for people to gather, talk, and support one another. She wants the Cambridge café to offer that same welcoming atmosphere.
The permanent space will also give Siraj more room to prepare and serve drinks than her current setup: a 2010 Honda Odyssey that she uses to transport her business to markets. Even a small kitchen will be a welcome change. “The kitchen is very small, but it’s fine,” she joked. “Even one square foot, I don’t have that now.”
According to the Cambridge Somerville Independent, CRA has awarded Siraj $41,000 for equipment purchases and an additional $10,000 toward customizing the retail space, helping support the transition from mobile vending to a permanent café.
Cini Coffee is expected to open in January 2027, pending construction timelines. Siraj plans to continue selling at markets and trade shows after the café debuts, allowing the business to maintain its presence in the community while welcoming customers to its first permanent home.
