A Turkish cafe is brewing up excitement in South Jersey with plans to open its first U.S. location this winter.
Maya Bohem Coffee, owned by Sam Jadalla along with partner Muhammet Geyikgolu, Fatih Karatas, Mahmoud Nashmi and Luai Abdul, will open in the former Bistro at Cherry Hill space inside Cherry Hill Mall’s Macy’s wing.
The cafe currently operates three locations in Turkey, with outposts in Gaziantep, Tekirdağ and Adıyaman.
“We wanted to expand because it’s a good mall, it’s a great spot. It has heavy traffic so there’s good potential,” Jadalla told Whatnow Philadelphia.
Jadalla is already familiar with the area as co-owner of Blue Fig Garden, an authentic Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Cherry Hill, Wayne and Southbury, Conn. He also founded Blue Fig Cafe in Moorestown in 2011 before selling the business in 2024, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
The coffeehouse will bring the signature Maya Bohem Coffee experience, serving hot and iced coffees, espresso drinks, matcha, pastries and desserts. The coffee is sourced from Turkey, maintaining the brand’s roots. For first-time visitors, Jadalla recommends the stuffed croissants, which customers can customize with their choice of fillings and garnishes.
The menu will also feature heartier options, including pizza, pasta and burgers, along with gelato made using a “one-of-a-kind” machine imported from Italy.
Jadalla is eager to bring another concept to South Jersey.
“I’m most excited about coming here, bringing it to the United States, and seeing how the market is here,” he said.
The team hopes to open between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, depending on the permitting process.
The Cherry Hill Mall location isn’t the only Maya Bohem Coffee expansion in the works, as Jadalla said franchising opportunities in Connecticut are also under discussion.
Visit the Maya Bohem Coffee website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
