New Turkish coffee shop brings late-night gathering spot, authentic brews to Charlotte
Coffee shops are plentiful, but University City recently welcomed a locally owned cafe in Charlotte that does things a little differently: Vavela Cafe, a spacious, authentic Turkish coffee shop, opened last month to serve traditionally prepared coffee drinks, tea, light bites and sweets.
Inside, a modern, relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both studying and unwinding.
According to the owners, Vavela was also designed to operate as a community hub: At 4,500 square feet, it can house more than 200 customers, and there’s lots of seating indoors and out to allow for remote work and lingering. The extended evening hours (midnight and 1 a.m.) appeal directly to the college crowd, giving University City-area residents a place to chat, study or work late.
Vavela is owned by brothers Khaled and Naser Shamma. According to the brothers, Vavela Café “embrace[s] the rich history of Turkish coffee, a centuries-old tradition that signifies hospitality, connection, and craftsmanship.”
“I opened this café because I discovered these incredible coffee beans from Turkey that immediately captured my heart,” Khaled explained.
“The rich, unique flavor and the depth of their aroma were unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I loved them so much that I decided to bring them here, importing them directly to share with others. I wanted to create a space where people could experience the same joy and connection that I felt with every cup, and to introduce the community to something new and truly special.”
Vavela joins a recent wave of diverse coffee shops opening in Charlotte — in 2024, three Yemeni-owned coffee shops opened across the city and a fourth, Bayt Almocha, is slated to open this year.
“We’re excited to share that Vavela Café has big plans for the future,” Khaled said.
“As we continue to grow and connect with our community, we’re looking forward to opening more Vavela locations in the coming years. We’re committed to expanding thoughtfully while staying true to the heart and spirit of what makes Vavela so special.”
While there are similarities between the Arabic coffee traditions, Yemeni and Turkish coffee are distinct.
Yemeni coffee, known as “qahwah,” is a lighter roast with a more coarse grind. Turkish coffee is often associated with being stronger and thicker than any other coffee. It’s made of very finely ground beans brewed by boiling them in traditional pots.
According to Vavela’s website, its “expert roasters use a wood-fired roaster to enhance the natural flavors of the coffee, crafting a distinctive and smooth profile that sets Vavela apart.”
In addition to the traditional coffee offerings, there are regular drip coffees, lattes, matcha and frappuccinos on the menu.
Vavela is located directly above Mike’s Vegan Grill on the second floor.
The cafe is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Vavela Cafe
Location: 440 E McCullough Dr #210, Charlotte, NC 28262
Cuisine: Turkish coffee, paninis, pastries
Instagram: @vavela_cafe
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
