Portland's First Somali-Run Cafe - Above GRND Shines Bright

Portland's First Somali-Run Cafe - Above GRND Shines Bright

Above GRND, Portland's first Somali-run cafe, is reshaping the city's coffee scene by introducing Somali flavors in a contemporary setting. Located above a sneaker consignment shop, this unique cafe offers banana milk lattes—a nod to Somali cuisine—alongside traditional coffee and matcha drinks. The cafe is co-owned by Ahlam Osman and her partners, who aimed to create a welcoming community space reflective of their Somali-American identity. Open late, Above GRND serves as a rare non-alcoholic hangout spot in Portland. With its diverse client base, the cafe stands out in a city known for its predominantly white coffee culture, offering a space where young Somali Americans can see themselves reflected in the community and business world.

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