Inspired by visits to family in Michigan and Texas, and experiences in local coffee shops, an entrepreneur found motivation to create something unique. Familiar with serving chai as a volunteer in Springfield hospitals and communities over the past decade, the entrepreneur noticed that while chai was relatively unknown in the region, its popularity soared once people tasted it. This realization led to the opening of Chai Corner, in partnership with Syed Abbas, located at 2632 Colonel Glenn Hwy. in Fairborn earlier this month.
The primary aim of Chai Corner is to introduce Americans to authentic chai, offering a cozy cafe atmosphere with extended hours. The cafe features a diverse selection of chai including Sulemani Karak Chai, Doodh Patti, Rose Petal Chai, Fennel Chai, and Zafrani Chai. Chai is described as a spiced tea brewed for at least 25 to 30 minutes with ingredients like cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon.
In addition to chai, the cafe serves Turkish Coffee, Arabic Qahwah, and familiar coffee beverages such as Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, and matcha. The breakfast menu, available daily, includes options like eggs, bacon, sausage, omelets, toast, bagels, and French toast. A breakfast combination of two eggs, a meat, and bread is priced at $10.99. On weekends, from 8 a.m. to noon, a breakfast buffet is offered with a rotating menu, costing $18.99 for adults and $9.99 for children, with kids under six eating free.
The cafe also provides a variety of Indian street food including Aloo or Chicken Samosa, Chana Papri Chaat, Samosa Chaat, Masala Dosa, Kathi Rolls, Paratha Chicken Tikka Rolls, and Kebabs. Additional offerings include chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, and ice cream. Future menu expansions are planned to include international desserts.
Chai Corner’s owner, originally from Pakistan, relocated to New York in 1999, where he met his wife, Ashra Ahmad, who served as the project’s architect. They have five children together and envision Chai Corner as a welcoming hangout for students and families. The cafe operates from 8 a.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Sunday, and provides a 30% discount for Wright State and University of Dayton students, with a 10% discount for military personnel.
Plans are underway to host standup comedy and open mic nights, with owners open to suggestions and offering the space for rent. More information is available on the cafe’s website or Facebook page.