Subsequent up on our 2025 Construct-Outs season, we’re visiting a brand new espresso cart in SoCal specializing in espresso service and flavors impressed by the tradition and delicacies of Iraq. Founders Dina Ali, Danea Al-Tikriti, Jameel Kaddo, and Sidiq Kaddo are behind this thrilling new mission: that is Babylon Brews.

The 2025 Construct-Outs of Espresso is sponsored by Pacific Barista Sequence, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.

As instructed to Sprudge by Danea Al-tikriti.

For many who aren’t acquainted, will you inform us about your organization?

We’re Babylon Brews, a family-run espresso cart in Southern California that pours the center of Iraqi espresso traditions into each cup. Based by Dina Ali, Danea Al-Tikriti, Jameel Kaddo, and Sidiq Kaddo, our small enterprise is enthusiastic about crafting distinctive espresso and handcrafted syrups that celebrates our Iraqi heritage. Since launching in January 2025, we’ve constructed a loyal following of over 12,000 throughout our social media platforms in simply 4 months, connecting our group by flavors that honors Iraq’s wealthy culinary historical past and traditions.

As first-generation Iraqi-Individuals, we’ve confronted the burden of navigating our id in a world formed by historic challenges and misconceptions about our heritage. Beginning Babylon Brews has been each a labor of affection and a daring act of resilience, as we attempt to honor our roots whereas constructing a brand new legacy in America.

By way of espresso, we’re weaving a tapestry of belonging, inviting our group to share in the fantastic thing about Iraqi tradition. We’d be honored to inform our story and share the emotional and provoking journey behind beginning our small enterprise and the Iraqi traditions that floor us.

Are you able to inform us a bit in regards to the new house?

Our cart is greater than only a place to make espresso — it’s a cultural assertion and visible tribute to our Iraqi heritage. Designed with intention, the centerpiece of the cart is a standard Center Jap rug that wraps the entrance, framing our glowing Babylon Brews signal. This mix of old-world texture and trendy signage displays our mission: honoring custom whereas constructing one thing new.

The cart itself is custom-built to steadiness magnificence and performance. We use heat, earthy tones, wooden accents, and nostalgic touches like a classic radio to evoke the sensation of gathering in a comfy, acquainted house—even when it’s only for a fast espresso. The distinctive aesthetic is among the first issues individuals touch upon, and it’s typically why they e-book us. It stands out from typical cellular carts, inviting curiosity and connection.

This visible id isn’t only for present—it’s a manner for us to precise pleasure in our tradition and to create a welcoming, story-rich expertise with each cup.

What’s your strategy to espresso?

For us, espresso is greater than a beverage—it’s a bridge between cultures, recollections, and generations. At Babylon Brews, our strategy is rooted in honoring the deep, wealthy traditions of Iraqi espresso whereas crafting a contemporary expertise that speaks to our id as first-generation Iraqi-Individuals. Each cup we serve carries the essence of dwelling, resilience, and heritage.

We take pleasure in handcrafting syrups and blends that replicate the flavors we grew up with, utilizing espresso as a medium to inform tales, spark connection, and invite our group into the heat of Iraqi hospitality. Our cart isn’t only a enterprise—it’s a cultural expression and a love letter to our roots.

By weaving custom into each pour, we hope every sip creates a second of belonging for individuals who cease by—whether or not they’re accustomed to our heritage or discovering it for the primary time.

Any machines, coffees, particular tools lined up?

Completely! At Babylon Brews, we’ve constructed our setup with each high quality and consistency in thoughts. 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 taste profiles that complement our syrups. Every thing from our espresso to our conventional brews is crafted with intention.

How is your mission contemplating sustainability?

Sustainability is one thing we’re actively constructing into Babylon Brews as we develop.

We additionally batch-make a few of our syrups and cut back waste by prepping in small, intentional portions to keep away from overproduction.

Wherever potential, we supply substances regionally and work with a roaster who’s clear about their provide chains and sustainability practices.

As a cellular cart, we’re aware of our power use and are exploring solar-powered options for future builds. That is just the start, and we’re dedicated to evolving our practices as we scale—all the time balancing custom with duty to the environment and group.

What’s your hopeful goal opening date/month?

We launched our cellular espresso 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 just’d like to say?

Every thing you see—from the cart design to the branding and total aesthetic—was created totally by us. As a family-run enterprise, Babylon Brews is a real ardour mission, and we’ve poured ourselves into each element. Collectively, us 4 every introduced distinctive expertise to the desk to form what you see at the moment.

We designed the aesthetic of the cart ourselves, right down to the format, coloration palette, and cultural components just like the classic rug and neon emblem. Even growing our drink menu is a artistic collaboration between us—mixing Iraqi-inspired flavors with up to date espresso developments.

Whereas we haven’t partnered with exterior architects or designers (but!), this hands-on strategy has made the whole journey deeply private. Each alternative displays our shared imaginative and prescient and love for the tradition that raised us.

Thanks!

Thank YOU!!

The 2025 Construct-Outs of Espresso is sponsored by Pacific Barista Sequence, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.