BREAKING BREAD

If you are looking for somewhere to get your work done without worrying about getting hungry or needing caffeine, Coffee Zone would fit the bill. Osama Yanis opened the local cafe in Columbia, Mo in1994.

 

The atmosphere in Coffee Zone is warm and inviting. People happily talk to each other both inside and outside the café. The manager, Issam Yanis, seems to know every one of their customers and many ask the employees to pass on their greeting to the Yanis’ even if they are not in the store.

 

“We know people by name, we know what they drink, we know what they eat. Sometimes when you walk in your drink is ready on the counter,” said Issam.

 

He believes their hospitality originated from their upbringing in Amman, Jordan. He gives us an example, saying when neighbors come to his house to borrow a tomato, they ask not if they can but if Issam has a tomato because they know the answer will be yes. 

 

The Yanis’ also make it a point to embrace other religious beliefs. Despite being raised Muslim, they often help their Christian neighbors cook during religious holidays as a sign of mutual respect.

 

“My mom helped them (our neighbors) prepare Christmas dishes,” said Issam, “because they have only one stove, and one oven.”

 

Coffee Zone is not a place to sit anonymously and drink coffee. The Yanis’ take an active interest in all their customers, especially on the first visit.