Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) student Khalid al-Kawari is showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit in an unexpected way.
The Qatari student from the Class of 2024 has turned a gap in the coffee market into a thriving business.
With the closure of a popular café on campus, al-Kawari saw a golden opportunity to bring students, faculty and staff together over coffee with the launch of “Casual Coffee”.
“Knowing I’d have the support of the university community made it an easy decision,” he said.
“The name ‘Casual Coffee’ was not chosen at random,” al-Kawari continued. “The name was originally my father’s idea for a café he had planned to open. When I decided to start my own café, he suggested I use it.”
“It felt right – like continuing a legacy,” he said.
Launching a business on campus was not without its hurdles.
With the support of dean Safwan Masri, he successfully secured the opportunity to open Casual Coffee at the GU-Q.
Another challenge was balancing affordability with quality.
“As a small business, dealing with high operational costs while striving to provide quality coffee was tough,” said al-Kawari, who is studying international politics. “Fortunately, Georgetown has different coffee providers, allowing us to offer a range of pricing options that cater to different segments of the community.”
From sourcing suppliers to building a loyal customer base, he credits the success of Casual Coffee to a dedicated team.
Baristas Karyl Pasco and Haldane Alfonso bring extensive industry experience, while Mohammed Ashraf and Jomaa Mohammed handle logistics and procurement.
“Their expertise has been crucial to maintaining the high standards that define Casual Coffee,” al-Kawari said.
Feedback from friends and students has also been pivotal.
“Their insights helped us refine our offerings and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” said al-Kawari, who created a feeling of community by offering a variety of special drinks named after faculty and students who had requested them.
Balancing academics with business is not easy, but Khalid has mastered the art of time management.
“I keep a strict schedule to separate time for coursework and business tasks, using digital tools to stay organised,” he said. “Trusting my team with daily operations allows me to focus on my studies when necessary.”
“Plus, I do have other businesses that I am launching soon, in real estate and the food and beverage industry, and I do the same for the rest,” al-Kawari added.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is resilience,” he noted. “From rejections to operational challenges, every obstacle has been a learning experience. It is all about adaptability and seeking creative solutions.”
With plans to expand beyond its current locations at the GU-Q and Sidra Hospital, he envisions Casual Coffee becoming a staple in Qatar.
However, that is just the beginning for the ambitious young man.
“I'm working on two other businesses in different sectors to create a diverse portfolio,” al-Kawari said.
“It's important for me to keep Casual Coffee at Georgetown as an inspiration for any student looking to start their own business,” he stated. “I hope to show them that with determination and the right support, they can turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”
