How 20 Grams Took On the $9B Coffee Industry: Kuwaiti AbulQassem and Zaid Alibrahim ????

At just 30, AbulQassem and Zaid Alibrahim turned their passion for coffee into a revolutionary business that’s now disrupting the $9 billion coffee industry. How did two ambitious young Kuwaitis make waves in a market dominated by global giants? Their story is one of grit, innovation, and redefining tradition.

The Spark: A Coffee Shop with a Twist In a city where coffee culture thrives, AbulQassem and Zaid noticed something others overlooked: while people loved premium coffee, they craved authenticity and connection. Their idea? To create 20 Grams, a coffee shop that wasn’t just about serving coffee but about sharing stories, culture, and experiences.

The Struggles and Breakthrough Starting out, they faced the daunting challenge of competing with established players like Starbucks and Costa. They risked everything—maxing out credit cards and juggling day jobs—to fund their dream. But instead of following the typical café formula, they focused on sourcing beans directly from farmers, crafting unique blends inspired by Middle Eastern traditions, and creating a space where every cup told a story.

The Success Story What started as a single shop in Kuwait quickly became a phenomenon. Word spread about their ethically sourced beans, innovative brewing techniques, and community-driven mission. Within three years, 20 Grams expanded to multiple locations across the Gulf, earning them recognition as disruptors in the global coffee scene.

The Inspiration From humble beginnings to challenging industry giants, Abul Qassem and Zaid proved that innovation, authenticity, and passion can shake up even the most saturated markets. Their journey is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining what success looks like.

20 Grams: Redefining coffee, one cup at a time.