Startup Hue Cafe: Making an art form out of coffee

Coffee shops have always been an intrinsic part of Arab culture and one Saudi cafe has made an art form out of creating the right environment for the perfect brew.

Jeddah’s Hue Cafe not only offers delicious Arabic coffee and a meeting place but also the stage for artists to express their creativity. The outlet has become a favorite haunt for artists of all ages who play with colors and paint while sipping a cup of coffee. Tariq Banjar, who opened the cafe on July 22, told Arab News: “I’m someone who goes to cafes a lot. I noticed that all cafes are the same. They did not have anything new to offer. People just sit and talk. “I wanted to do something different. I wanted people to do something that make them put their phones aside and release their negative energy. I wanted something that elevated people’s spirits.” Banjar’s inspiration for the venture came from his wife, who is an artist. The cafe’s customers vary from those who simply wish to spend quality time with their family, to professional artists and beginners.

“But they’re all looking for some place simple, quiet, and peaceful. It is important for me to make customers feel like they’re at home,” he added. Banjar decided to call the cafe Hue because of the simplicity of the word and its meaning in terms of a shade or color, and even shades of coffee.

He said art was important in the Kingdom and in all aspects of life. “Many artists told us they’re happy they found a place.”

Hue Cafe also allows artists to organize workshops to help them promote art and talent. “We’re not just a cafe or a business cafe. It’s more than that because you get to do activities here.” Prior to opening the cafe, Banjar said he had not realized the extent of artistic talent in the city and added that as well as painters, musicians, poets, and calligraphers were among those who came to drink coffee and practice their art forms.