New Cafe Opens As North American University’s First Coffee Shop

Mirai Café opened September 15 at North American University in Stafford, welcoming nearly 100 guests. As the campus’s first coffee shop, it promises both fresh drinks and a new student hub.

On Monday, September 15, 2025, Mirai Café celebrated its grand opening inside the Troy Cafeteria at North American University in Stafford, Texas. Nearly 100 patrons turned out to welcome the café and its founder, Ali Kemelbek.

With its launch, Mirai Café became the university’s first independently operated coffee shop, offering students and faculty a new social hub. The menu features more than 20 drinks—ranging from frappes to iced pistachio lattes and dragon-fruit lemonades—designed to appeal to a wide campus audience. “Mirai creates a welcoming space for students and faculty to connect, recharge, and feel at home on campus,” Kemelbek said.

The celebration also drew supporters from outside NAU. Among them were members of the Steppe Business Club, a Houston-based network of entrepreneurs that fosters connections and resources for local business owners of Central Asian origin. Their presence underscored the role of community in launching new ventures.

Looking ahead, Kemelbek hopes Mirai Café will grow into more than just a place to buy coffee. “We aim to become a signature gathering spot at NAU and a model for student-centered cafés, exploring new menu ideas and hosting events that keep our campus thriving,” he said.