Qatra Specialty Coffee will hold a soft opening Thursday, Nov. 5, at 22020 Westheimer Parkway in Katy. The coffee shop is in the Kroger shopping center at Westheimer Parkway and South Mason Road, in the space of a former Starbucks.
The Starbucks is believed to have closed mainly because it did not have a drive-thru, rather than because of poor sales, according to Covering Katy News. Starbucks has not confirmed that explanation. Basel Aldabyani, a Richmond man, is the new owner. He said Starbucks kept the lease for more than a year after closing the store, which delayed his plans.
Aldabyani said he wants Qatra to be a place where people can meet friends, work, study or spend time out of the house. The renovated interior has brighter wood tones, white furnishings and greenery, a smaller service counter and electrical outlets throughout the shop. He also hopes to bring back the personal touches of the former store, such as staff remembering regular customers' favorite drinks.