By Mekala Seme
Most of the shops in the Tysons Galleria Mall in McLean, Virginia, are closed by 11 p.m.
Peeking through the glass doors at stores like Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus and Sur La Table, the dimmed lights and empty stores contrast with the lively energy at Shotted Coffee, a Saudi-inspired coffee shop.
On April 1, Shotted commenced its 22nd night of Ramadan Hours. According to Islamic Networks Group, Ramadan is an Islamic Holy Month marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. It commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran through the practice of self-control, devotion, and gratitude.
Bandar Alhenaki founded Shotted in 2019 as a pop-up cart in the DMV area. In 2020, Alhenaki opened the shop’s first storefront at Tysons Corner Center and expanded it to Tysons Galleria in 2023.
Leading up to Eid-al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, Shotted opens its doors until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Each night, lines form throughout Tysons Galleria as members of the Muslim community eagerly wait to enjoy coffee or a sweet treat.
Shotted offers a variety of espresso drinks, desserts and baked goods that members of the Islamic community enjoy after iftar, a meal that occurs after evening prayer and sunset when Muslims break their fast.
Long lines form at Shotted as the Islamic community gathers to enjoy an after-iftar treat. Residents across the DMV area congregate at Shotted to cultivate community. (Mekala Seme/ HU News Service)
On Monday evening, members of the Islamic community reflected on Shotted and how the coffee shop has impacted their Ramadan experience.
Aminata Touray, a New Jersey Native and Georgetown University student, shares why Shotted has allowed her to grow as a Muslim.
“Since moving to the DC area, I have found it so imperative to my growth to be able to surround myself with Muslims and create community outside of the Georgetown bubble,” said Touray. “Shotted allows me and my Muslim peers to gather in a space where our identities are understood and not out of reach.”
Touray believes Shotted has become a hub for Muslims in the area.
“During Ramadan especially as someone who loves coffee, it’s nice to be able to have a late-night coffee shop to go to after Taraweeh (nightly prayers),” said Touray.
“Since Shotted is Muslim-owned in an area filled with Muslims, the cafe becomes a hub for young Muslims and families to be able to drink coffee and grab a bite to eat before going on with their lives,” she continued.
Shotted’s unique menu allows Somali-American Howard University senior Tusmo Olhaye to connect with other cultures.
“Being able to try great desserts like the Pistachio Cheesecake and the Karak Chai for example allows me to try new things and experience,” said Olhaye. “It’s a privilege to be able to travel around the DC area and going to shotted and back to campus allows me to explore the area a lot more.”
Fathia Mursal, a Somali-American and Seattle native, says Shotted has helped her feel less isolated. As a student at Georgetown University, Shotted has become a place for Mursal to feel connected to her faith and community.
“Living in the West, Ramadan is pretty isolating; our sleep schedules are changing. We are trying to become closer with a higher power, but in the rat race of capitalism, it becomes difficult to feel that sense of spirituality,” she said.“Shotted allowing us to congregate as late as midnight is a way for Muslims like me in the West to understand our community and faith transcend and connect no matter what.
