A new Korean-inspired coffee shop from a familiar face in Boston’s food and beverage scene is coming soon to a Somerville neighborhood.
Kima Cafe is preparing to debut in the former site of Fortissimo Coffeehouse at 75 Bow Street in Somerville’s Union Square, according to Boston Restaurant Talk. The upcoming cafe comes from local restaurateur Alex Kim, who founded Brighton’s Glasser Coffee Co. and co-owns Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Coreanos Allston with his family.
While details about Kima Cafe remain limited for now, Kim recently offered a first glimpse at the concept in a hiring post shared to the Somerville, MA Community Facebook group.
“A new coffee shop will be opening near Somerville’s Union Square neighborhood!” he wrote. “We will be curating a Korean/Asian inspired menu, and are looking for experienced baristas (third-wave specialty) to create fun drinks and bring good vibes.”
Kima Cafe does not yet appear to have an online presence, and specific details about its menu have not been announced. However, the cafe’s Korean and Asian-inspired direction could mirror some of the flavors and offerings found at Kim’s existing Glasser Coffee Co., which serves specialty coffee such as Vietnamese cold brew, espresso drinks, and teas, alongside a food menu featuring breakfast sandwiches, bowls, and tacos.
According to Glasser Coffee Co.’s website, Kim established the cafe in the middle of 2020, drawing on years of experience across the food and hospitality industries. Before opening Glasser, he helped launch Coreanos Allston with his family and opened a food truck, while also bringing experience in woodworking and construction to his projects. He has since used that varied background to create a cafe centered on thoughtful details and a carefully crafted customer experience.
The hiring post lists a projected opening of mid-September 2026. Experienced baristas with third-wave specialty coffee experience who are interested in joining the Kima Cafe team are encouraged to send resumes to [email protected].
