Coffee Shop To Open On Columbia's West Harlem Campus

HARLEM, NY — A Columbia University building on its new West Harlem campus has secured its second retail tenant, a university spokesman said. Dear Mama Coffee will move into the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on West 129th Street and Broadway in 2018 after signing a lease for the space.

Design an construction work is currently in progress for the Harlem-based coffee shop, wine bar and eatery, a Columbia University spokesman said. The business, which will occupy 4,700 square feet on the ground floor and mezzanine levels of the science center, is expected to open in Fall 2018.

"Dear Mama Coffee brings another high-quality business to the neighborhood, and with it, a day-to-night establishment that will add more activity and services to the new campus and community," David M. Greenberg, of Columbia University facilities and operations, said in a statement. "With art exhibitions, music, events, community fundraisers and more, Dear Mama Coffee will be a place of engagement and a true neighborhood venue."

Dear Mama Coffee's outpost in the Columbia campus will be its second location. The coffee shop's flagship location is located in East Harlem on East 109th Street and Second Avenue.

The new location will serve up seasonal menus offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beverages include coffee roasted in Red Hook, imported and in-house blended teas and speciality cocktails and wine. The coffee shop will also feature weekly exhibitions, art installations and live music.

The coffee shop is committed to hiring staff from the local community, founder Zachary Sharaga said. Sharaga is a native New Yorker from the Bronx.

“Dear Mama Coffee serves as a gathering spot for the local community to nourish the heart, soul and belly," Sharaga said in a statement. “Along with a full food menu, coffee and specialty drinks, it is a platform for people to converge and inspire one another, discuss the issues of the day, admire local art and share music."

Photo courtesy Columbia University