Student Brews Success with Casual Coffee

How One Georgetown Qatar Student Is Setting an Example For Young Qatari Entrepreneurs

At Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), entrepreneurial spirit thrives in unexpected ways, as demonstrated by Khalid Al-Kawari, a Qatari student from the Class of 2024 who turned a gap in the coffee market into a thriving business. With the closure of a popular café on campus, Khalid saw a golden opportunity to bring students, faculty, and staff together over coffee with the launch of Casual Coffee.

Khalid, who opened the Cafe in 2023, as a third-year student  noted, “Knowing I’d have the support of the university community made it an easy decision.” The name “Casual Coffee” wasn’t chosen at random. “The name was originally my father’s idea for a café he had planned to open. When I decided to start my own café, he suggested I use it. It felt right—like continuing a legacy,” he shared.

Overcoming Challenges

Launching a business on campus wasn’t without its hurdles. With the support of Dean Safwan Masri, he successfully secured the opportunity to open Casual Coffee at GU-Q.

Another challenge was balancing affordability with quality. “As a small business, dealing with high operational costs while striving to provide quality coffee was tough,” said Khalid, who is studying international politics, adding: “Fortunately, Georgetown has different coffee providers, allowing us to offer a range of pricing options that cater to different segments of the community.

Building a Team and a Business

From sourcing suppliers to building a loyal customer base, Khalid credits the success of Casual Coffee to a dedicated team.

Feedback from friends and students has also been pivotal. “Their insights helped us refine our offerings and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” says Khalid, who created a feeling of community by offering a variety of special drinks named after faculty and students who had requested them. 

Juggling Studies and Entrepreneurship

Balancing academics with business isn’t easy, but Khalid has mastered the art of time management. “I keep a strict schedule to separate time for coursework and business tasks, using digital tools to stay organized. Trusting my team with daily operations allows me to focus on my studies when necessary. Plus I do have other business that I am launching soon in real estate and the food and beverage industry and I do the same for the rest,” he explained.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is resilience,” said Khalid. “From rejections to operational challenges, every obstacle has been a learning experience. It’s all about adaptability and seeking creative solutions.”

Top Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For students considering starting a business while studying, Khalid has the following advice: 

• Prioritize effective time management and remain adaptable, recognizing that every business is unique and each person has their own style of operation. 
• Create a structured schedule that balances academic commitments with business activities, starting with a manageable concept that allows for testing the waters without becoming overwhelmed. 
• Leverage your university resources by connecting with professors, peers, and mentors for valuable insights and support. 
• Embrace feedback from customers to refine your offerings and ensure they meet market needs. 
• In my experience, it’s crucial to stay resilient in the face of challenges, as each obstacle can provide valuable lessons. 
• Also, don’t forget to prioritize your well-being by allocating time for self-care and relaxation!

What’s Next

With plans to expand beyond its current locations at GU-Q and Sidra Hospital, Khalid envisions Casual Coffee becoming a staple in Qatar. But that is just the beginning for the ambitious young man. “I’m working on two other businesses in different sectors to create a diverse portfolio. It’s important for me to keep Casual Coffee at Georgetown as an inspiration for any student looking to start their own business. I hope to show them that with determination and the right support, they can turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”