Next up on our 2025 Build-Outs season, we’re visiting a new coffee cart in SoCal specializing in coffee service and flavors inspired by the culture and cuisine of Iraq. Founders Dina Ali, Danea Al-Tikriti, Jameel Kaddo, and Sidiq Kaddo are behind this exciting new project: this is Babylon Brews.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
As told to Sprudge by Danea Al-tikriti.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We’re Babylon Brews, a family-run coffee cart in Southern California that pours the heart of Iraqi coffee traditions into every cup. Founded by Dina Ali, Danea Al-Tikriti, Jameel Kaddo, and Sidiq Kaddo, our small business is passionate about crafting exceptional coffee and handcrafted syrups that celebrates our Iraqi heritage. Since launching in January 2025, we’ve built a devoted following of over 12,000 across our social media platforms in just four months, connecting our community through flavors that honors Iraq’s rich culinary history and traditions.
As first-generation Iraqi-Americans, we’ve faced the weight of navigating our identity in a world shaped by historical challenges and misconceptions about our heritage. Starting Babylon Brews has been both a labor of love and a bold act of resilience, as we strive to honor our roots while building a new legacy in America.
Through coffee, we’re weaving a tapestry of belonging, inviting our community to share in the beauty of Iraqi culture. We’d be honored to tell our story and share the emotional and inspiring journey behind starting our small business and the Iraqi traditions that ground us.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Our cart is more than just a place to make coffee — it’s a cultural statement and visual tribute to our Iraqi heritage. Designed with intention, the centerpiece of the cart is a traditional Middle Eastern rug that wraps the front, framing our glowing Babylon Brews sign. This blend of old-world texture and modern signage reflects our mission: honoring tradition while building something new.
The cart itself is custom-built to balance beauty and function. We use warm, earthy tones, wood accents, and nostalgic touches like a vintage radio to evoke the feeling of gathering in a cozy, familiar space—even if it’s just for a quick espresso. The unique aesthetic is one of the first things people comment on, and it’s often why they book us. It stands out from typical mobile carts, inviting curiosity and connection.
This visual identity isn’t just for show—it’s a way for us to express pride in our culture and to create a welcoming, story-rich experience with every cup.
What’s your approach to coffee?
For us, coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge between cultures, memories, and generations. At Babylon Brews, our approach is rooted in honoring the deep, rich traditions of Iraqi coffee while crafting a modern experience that speaks to our identity as first-generation Iraqi-Americans. Every cup we serve carries the essence of home, resilience, and heritage.
We take pride in handcrafting syrups and blends that reflect the flavors we grew up with, using coffee as a medium to tell stories, spark connection, and invite our community into the warmth of Iraqi hospitality. Our cart isn’t just a business—it’s a cultural expression and a love letter to our roots.
By weaving tradition into every pour, we hope each sip creates a moment of belonging for those who stop by—whether they’re familiar with our heritage or discovering it for the first time.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Absolutely! At Babylon Brews, we’ve built our setup with both quality and consistency in mind. We use a La Marzocco Linea Mini paired with a Eureka Atom 65 grinder.
Our beans (single origin Colombian) are thoughtfully sourced from a small roaster who values traceability, freshness, and flavor profiles that complement our syrups. Everything from our espresso to our traditional brews is crafted with intention.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Sustainability is something we’re actively building into Babylon Brews as we grow.
We also batch-make some of our syrups and reduce waste by prepping in small, intentional quantities to avoid overproduction.
Wherever possible, we source ingredients locally and work with a roaster who is transparent about their supply chains and sustainability practices.
As a mobile cart, we’re mindful of our energy use and are exploring solar-powered solutions for future builds. This is just the beginning, and we’re committed to evolving our practices as we scale—always balancing tradition with responsibility to our environment and community.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We launched our mobile coffee cart in January 2025, in hopes of opening up a brick and mortar by 2027.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Everything you see—from the cart design to the branding and overall aesthetic—was created entirely by us. As a family-run business, Babylon Brews is a true passion project, and we’ve poured ourselves into every detail. Collectively, us four each brought unique skills to the table to shape what you see today.
We designed the aesthetic of the cart ourselves, down to the layout, color palette, and cultural elements like the vintage rug and neon logo. Even developing our drink menu is a creative collaboration between us—blending Iraqi-inspired flavors with contemporary coffee trends.
While we haven’t partnered with outside architects or designers (yet!), this hands-on approach has made the entire journey deeply personal. Every choice reflects our shared vision and love for the culture that raised us.
Thank you!
Thank YOU!!
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
