Interview with Tenagne “Tina” Sharew, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Having experience in hotel and restaurant businesses for many years, I always wanted to open my own coffee shop. Through the grace of God, after opening my first coffee shop at Colfax Avenue and Chambers Road in 2002, I had an opportunity to get a better spot at MLK Library, and moved in in 2005. I am very grateful to be inside the community and doing what I enjoy doing — serving coffee.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: What distinguishes me from other coffee shops is that I serve a brand of coffee that is distinct in flavor and origin. In addition to that, I have my own special flavor that a lot of my customers enjoy.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: It gives me great pleasure to see my customers enjoy the coffee as well as the service I provide. That motivates me to do even better.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: After nine years, the location is still the biggest challenge to my customers. Many people do not expect to find a coffee shop inside a public library.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I am the first Ethiopian coffee shop in town. Being an Ethiopian, I serve the best Ethiopian coffee, known around the world.
Profile
Business: Coffee Canaan
Address: 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Founded: 2002
Contact: 720-857-9434,
Employees: 1
