How it all started

My formal name is Mbarek Kabba, but most people know me as Barak. I am the founder of Interstate 95 Coffee. I-95 Coffee began in November 2019, not long before the pandemic hit. I have always been passionate about coffee. The idea of getting involved in the coffee business started in Miami when I had the most splendid café con leche at a tiny shop in Little Havana. While on the drive home, I started to think how I could bring that joy I had to a coffee shop in Charleston, SC. Interstate 95 Coffee was a fitting name to call the brand since that is where it all “clicked.” Interstate 95, the road, connects people, businesses, and places all along the East Coast. This is the same goal I wanted to bring as a coffee brand: to connect and inspire people and businesses in every community.

Here is a little about me. I was born and raised in Kenitra, Morocco, a beach town in Northwest Africa. I moved to the United States when I was 20 years old to purse my education. I spent 2 years in Tampa, Florida. I had heard wonderful things about Charleston and decided to visit. Before I knew it, I was packing up to move to this amazing city that reminded me a little of home. I have lived in Charleston for 7 years and found my love for Charleston with its incredible food scene, beaches, preserved architecture, but most importantly the people.

After I moved to Charleston, I started working in the food and beverage industry where I quickly made connections with the natives and tourists. I worked at great establishments where I gained a lot of knowledge and experience. I truly admire how supportive Charleston is to local small businesses. During the pandemic I tried to spread brand awareness by doing pop-ups on King St., serving coffee to apartment complexes residents, collaborating at local brewery events. In 2021, I launched ready to drink cold brew cans that can be purchased at various convenience stores Downtown. However, our biggest following comes from being a vendor at the Charleston Pour House Sunday Brunch Farmers Market. The support we receive from the community has allowed Interstate 95 Coffee to grow and gain confidence to open its first brick and mortar in West Ashley.

Interstate 95 Coffee is now open. We hope to provide a space for people to get their morning fuel, an atmosphere to work or meet new friends, and place to be creative or unwind. At the shop there are crafted coffee beverages, food, as well as beer and wine. The company’s long-term goal is to expand in other locations as a brand that people will recognize and find a common bond as we all travel to new cities.