Kikwetu Kenyan Coffee, an African coffee brand blending drinks and culture, has literally been elevated to new heights after the company relocated to a Ksh250 million lounge known as Cloud Bar based in Chicago, USA.
CBS News, an international publication, hailed the Kenyan coffee brand noting that the bar’s customers could enjoy it while relishing in breathtaking views in Chicago.
Situated on the 94th floor of 360 Chicago building previously known as Hancock Tower, the aim of relocating to the skyscraper was based on spreading the Kenyan culture in the USA.
“This place is so iconic with all of the people that are coming here from all over the world.
“Kikwetu actually means ‘our way, our style,’ the way we do our thing, you know?” Kikwetu founder Martha Itulya-Omollo stated.
Martha affirmed that she sought to introduce Chicago to what Kenya has to offer in terms of coffee.
Born and bred in Nairobi, Martha and her husband, Leecox, birthed Kikwetu. However, according to Martha, her passion for coffee began at a young age owing to her father, who is a horticulture professor.
“Just the sounds of the machines, and the grinding, and the smell of the coffee. There was just something about how everyone just kind of slowed down and got together.
“There was a lot of community because for us, culturally, that is how Kenyans are. And I just feel like that gives you an opportunity to get to know somebody better, and hear their story, and hear their way, their style, the way they do things,” she noted.
Martha affirmed that she imports the coffee from small-scale farmers in Kericho County.
According to Kikwetu’s official website, the coffee retails at different prices for instance premium black tea goes for Ksh2,375, chai spice for 2,750 and purple tea for Ksh2,625.
The interior design of the Ksh2 million lounge incorporates reflective surfaces to aid in creating an immersive experience of a mirrored ceiling. Cloud Bar opened its doors in September 2022.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE