Niyyah Coffee has opened Indianapolis’ first Deaf-owned coffee shop, designed around greater access, employment and interaction for the Deaf community.
Opened June 27 near the intersection of North College Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, the shop is owned and operated by Talha Tufail, who immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with his family at age 5. His family made the move seeking greater opportunities and access for him as a Deaf child.
The opening marked Niyyah Coffee’s fourth Indiana cafe and fifth location overall. The brand was founded by Talha Tufail’s brother and sister-in-law, Shamyl and Torrie Tufail, who expanded from a coffee cart into a brick-and-mortar retail business in 2023. Talha Tufail joined the coffee venture after pursuing a career in finance and accounting.
“Niyyah” means intention
“Niyyah” means “intention” in Arabic, reflecting the company’s stated goal of creating welcoming gathering spaces. At the Mass Ave. shop, varied seating and an American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet painted on a brick wall reinforce the emphasis on communication and inclusion.
Tufail said hearing customers have adapted readily to the cafe’s visual approach to communication, whether by pointing to menus, typing messages on their phones or practicing basic ASL with employees.
“My Deaf employees told me that they’re shocked,” Talha Tufail told Daily Coffee News. “It’s amazing to see how many people know enough.”
Menu and sourcing
The new shop’s menu includes classic espresso drinks, milkshakes, matcha, house-made masala chai, sparkling and herbal teas, hot chocolate, seasonal drinks, refreshers, nitro brews and cold brews. Cold brew is made in-house using coffee from Indianapolis roaster Hubbard & Cravens Coffee and Tea, while local vendors supply pastries and other food. The core coffee program uses coffees supplied by Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee.
Expansion
Niyyah currently has four Indiana cafes: the Mass Ave and Broad Ripple shops in Indianapolis, plus locations in Fishers and McCordsville. The brand also has a cafe in Markham, Ontario, while a fifth Indiana location is planned for downtown Fort Wayne.
“I’m working to expand more Niyyah Coffee shops nationwide,” Tufail said. “I’m working to expand more Deaf coffee shops to offer jobs and unique experiences in other cities and states.”
Niyyah Coffee is located at 747 N College Ave Ste B in Indianapolis.
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