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Metro
2 days ago
- Business
- Metro
6 money saving hacks that actually drain your bank account
From side hustles to saving challenges, everyone is trying to earn more money where they can. Recent research from Chase Bank revealed that 69% of UK adults have even changed their spending habits to try and save as much as possible. But it seems that some tried-and-tested hacks can actually drain your bank account, rather than fill it up. Curious to find out if you're making any of these financial mistakes? Here are six money 'hacks' probably best avoided. 'Bulk buying can be a great way to save money, but only if you're smart about it,' Matthew Sheeran, money saving expert at Money Wellness, tells Metro. 'People buy 3-for-£10 meat deals or bulk fresh fruit thinking they're getting a bargain but end up throwing some away. A 5kg bag of rice might seem smart at £6, but not if it sits in the cupboard for years unused.' Sheeran explains that big packs often look like better value, but unless you check the unit price, you might end up paying more. For example, a 4-pack of loo roll could work out at 20p a roll, while the 12-pack labelled as 'value' might actually be 25p per roll. 'Always compare cost per 100g, per item or per roll, not just the headline price,' Matthew adds. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video OK, in no way are we discouraging people from giving up their hobbies, but sewing and knitting will probably cost you more than buying your clothes from a high street store. To unpack (or unravel), knitted sweaters on ASOS range between £20 to £40. To knit your own standard medium-sized jumper, you'd need 12 balls of wool. Though you can get cheap balls for as little as £1.50, veteran knitters recommend higher quality wool. This is because it survives washing machines and is less likely to pull or bobble. In this instance, you're looking at around £3.50 a ball. Meaning a medium jumper would cost you £42. For a large, it's 13 balls, equating to £45.50. My mum and grandma can attest to the cost, despite gifting my sister and I Ron Weasley-style handmade jumpers most Christmases. (Not complaining, I will never not get excited about a woolly patchwork number.) Who isn't a sucker for discounted items at the supermarket? From cuts of meat to veg to freezeable ready meals, it can be hard to resist a 'good' deal. If used correctly they can be a lifeline for struggling households. In fact, consumer watchdog Which? recently revealed that approximately 40% of British households buy yellow sticker items to save on groceries as the cost of living continues to rise. However, there are times when money can be wasted. Firstly, cheap prices (especially typically high-priced foods like steak) are harder to avoid. This means you're more likely to pick up items you didn't enter the supermarket for, therefore accidentally going over budget. Secondly, purchasing lots of discounted food (mainly fresh veg) means you either have to eat it all over the next night or two, or it goes off in the back of the fridge. People who have already caved and stashed packets of yellow sticker items in their freezer for future meals will probably have less space to store them. Though not done on purpose, this can lead to food and money wastage. In terms of clothing or tech products, just because something is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it. And, if you are tempted, take a second to research the average price of the item. It might not be as discounted as the store is making you believe. We get it. After a long day at work, the last thing some of us want to do is spend hours preparing dinner only to devour it 10 minutes later. In this respect, meal kits can be really handy: the ingredients and instructions are there, and they're often quick and healthy meals to make. Companies like Hello Fresh and Gusto know how to draw you in, too. With photos of perfectly curated-looking meals and 50% off your first order, you feel like you're winning. But, when you start ordering them on a weekly basis, things start to add up. At Hello Fresh, four meals a week for two people is currently priced at a reduced rate of £19.74. The original cost is £39.49. For a family of four, with five meals per week, it's £34.99, down from £69.99. At Gusto, you then get 40% off your second box, and 20% for the next two months. Once the sale period is over, five meals for two people are currently £44.75 per week. According to Money Saving Expert, an average weekly grocery shop for a couple is £62. This also includes food for breakfast and lunch. Therefore, alongside a meal kit, you'll need to shop for your other two daily meals. Again, we're not knocking anyone for giving something a go. But in terms of saving money, there's a time and a place for amateur DIY. If the task is complex, involves safety risks, and specialised tools (like electrical or plumbing work), it's best to hire an expert. The initial cost might be more expensive than you were anticipating, but at least you can guarantee a professional job done. Watching a few YouTube videos on how to rewire your whole house doesn't count as experience. Plus, if you make a mistake trying to save a few quid, it'll cost you a lot more in the long run. If you do need house or car repairs, it's vital to have an emergency fund. CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish, recently told Metro homeowners should aim for three to six months' worth of costs in their emergency fund. Her figures place an average three-month safety blanket at £5,899.26, and six months at £11,798.52. That's £1,966.42 per month as a safety blanket, which covers: £223.60 for maintenance, which covers things like boiler servicing and window cleaning). £1,298.96 per month on average for a mortgage £190 for council tax £154.08 for energy £50.25 for water £14.54 for a TV licence £34.99 for broadband Wholesome? Yes. Healthy? Yes. Cheaper than going to the supermarket? Questionable. Metro's Lifestyle Editor Rachel Moss spent £100 'on dirt alone' the first year she created a veg patch in her garden. And though she grew a mountains of courgettes, the squirrels ate the strawberries, the slugs decimated the lettuce, and the carrots and aubergines were miniscule. 'Three years later I've invested in nets and slug traps, learned a lot and had more success, but you still can't predict the weather,' she warns. 'At this point it's still a hobby, not a money-saver.' Sheeran expands on this, noting that the setup can be pricey. 'Compost, fertiliser, seeds, planters, tools — it's easy to spend £50 to £100 before you've even planted anything,' he says. While Sheeran says that's fine if you're growing lots of or more expensive veg, but if you're growing a few lettuces or carrots, it might cost more than buying them in the supermarket. Amazon, IKEA, and B&Q offer basic planters from as little as £15 to £60. Larger products can be as much as £140. Soil prices vary based on type, quantity, and supplier, but you can expect to pay anywhere from £2.50 to £40.80 per bag or £9.60 to £29.95 per tonne for loose loads. On Amazon, a 20kg bag of general purpose fertiliser is £24.99, while pest control depends on the type of product. A simple bug spray might cost you £10, but a bird and pest repeller device could be £50. Instead, 'start small, reuse what you've got, and don't overspend on fancy kits,' says Matthew. He recommends old buckets or washing-up bowls, as these make great planters if you drill holes in the bottom. Also, check local Facebook groups, Marketplace, next door or community allotments. More Trending 'People often give away seeds, tools or even compost for free,' he adds. Ultimately, Matthew says, whether you're bulk buying or growing your own, the trick is to ask yourself: do I really need this much? Have I checked the unit price? A little thought upfront can make a big difference to your budget. View More » MORE: How much you actually need to save for your first home, wedding and retirement MORE: I have to hide washing-up liquid in my room because of my stingy flatmate MORE: I earn £232,000 as a freelance writer — my salary feels surreal Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Times
Is Saga's savings account for over-50s a good deal?
Q. I read with interest the news about Saga's savings accounts for over 50s. But I'm not really sure how they differ from standard accounts other than the age requirement — are they a good idea for a middle-of-the road saver? Name and address supplied Saga is a trusted brand, best known for tailored holidays, insurance and personal finance deals for the over 50s, including Saga-branded savings accounts. However, it's important to note that Saga isn't a bank. It has deals with regulated banks which provide its savings accounts and deals. These Saga-branded accounts are marketed exclusively to those aged 50 and over, which might imply that they are tailored to the financial needs of this demographic. In reality, though, they function like any standard savings account. You deposit funds, earn interest, and terms & conditions vary based on whether the account is easy access or fixed term. The age-based branding may resonate with some customers, but it doesn't necessarily mean better rates or more generous terms. • Read more money advice and tips on investing from our experts At the moment, Saga's easy access account and cash Isa are provided by Goldman Sachs International Bank, both paying 4.01 per cent AER (annual equivalent rate), including a 12-month bonus of 0.49 per cent. This matches what Goldman Sachs offers directly through its Marcus brand. While competitive, better rates are available elsewhere. For instance, Chase Bank pays 5 per cent AER (4.89 per cent gross) on its easy access account, including a 2.25 per cent bonus, although you must be a new customer who opened a current account after June 9. Alternatively, the Snoop app pays 4.60 per cent AER via Vanquis Bank — you will have to manage the account on the app. For those preferring a traditional online account, Cahoot has an easy access account paying 4.55 per cent AER on up to £500,000 for a year. With regard to the fixed rate bonds on offer, again, far better rates can be found. For example Saga's one-year bond with Chetwood Bank via the Flagstone cash platform, pays 4.15 per cent AER, while you can earn 4.53 per cent elsewhere and in fact if you were to apply directly to Chetwood Bank, you could earn 4.40 per cent. For those with larger savings balances, the convenience of using a cash savings platform may outweigh chasing the very top rates. These platforms give you access to a range of competitive accounts with a single application and login, all while keeping your money protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which guarantees deposits of up to £85,000 a year. Saga's platform, powered by Flagstone, is one such option, but others include Raisin UK, Savings Champion Savers Hub (which is owned by The Private Office) and Hargreaves Lansdown's Active Savings. Each charges different fees and offers access to various banks and rates, so it's worth comparing to find the right fit for you. So, while Saga's savings accounts offer a familiar and trusted brand, the branding alone doesn't guarantee better returns. If maximising your interest is a priority, it's wise to shop around and consider what works best for your needs. Anna Bowes helped to set up the consumer website Savings Champion in 2011
CBS News
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
South Florida back-to-school giveaways underway. See where you can get backpacks, shoes and supplies for your students
It may still be summer, but South Florida is just weeks away from the first day of school. And with that, the back-to-school giveaways have begun. Through Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, several organizations are hosting giveaways for everything from shoes to backpacks to ensure that South Florida's students are ready for the upcoming academic year. Here are just some of the back-to-school giveaways underway in South Florida. Chase and the 100 Black Men of South Florida Community Day: To help families prepare, the nonprofit 100 Black Men of South Florida is partnering up with Chase Bank for a back-to-school community day in North Miami. The event will include backpack giveaways, free haircuts for students, financial literacy resources, and live entertainment for children and parents. The event begins Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Community Branch located at 12600 NW 7th Ave. Amigos Back-to-School: Amigos for Kids has held one of the longest-running free school supply initiatives in the Miami community and it is back again for this school year. Through the Blue Backpack Project, the organization reaches families in the most under-resourced communities of Miami-Dade County by partnering with schools, community groups and government agencies. Amigos for Kids will hold its backpack giveaway on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 351 SW 4th Ave. D5/Doral Back to School: Also on Aug. 2, the City of Doral will host its annual back-to-school event. This event, in collaboration with school board member Danny Espino, will offer thousands of backpacks, resources for kids, haircuts and food. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can reserve their students' backpacks online here. Bair Middle School: While supplies last, Bair Middle School will be giving away a new pair of free shoes to kids who come to its event. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school located at 9100 NW 21st Manor in Sunrise. Deerfield Beach Block Party: On Aug. 2, the City of Deerfield Beach will hold its fourth annual back-to-school block party and backpack giveaway, where families can get their school supplies for this year. The city notes that a child must be present to receive a backpack and supplies. There will also be free food, games and a live DJ. The event will be held at the Johnny L. Tigner Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 445 SW 2nd St.
New York Post
21-07-2025
- New York Post
NYC cyclist killed by out-of-control driver remembered as safe streets advocate
The cyclist who was among two people killed by the driver of an out-of-control car was remembered as a longtime safe streets advocate training for his next race, his grieving family said Sunday. Kevin Scott Cruickshank, 55, was gearing up for the NYC Century Bike Tour, which is returning from a six-year hiatus this September, when he was mowed down by the driver of a stolen Chevy Malibu that zoomed through a traffic median at Bowery and Canal streets in Manhattan Saturday morning. 3 The car slammed into two victims Saturday. Obtained by the NY Post Advertisement 3 Video showed how the deadly crash played out. William Farrington In a cruel twist of fate, the Chase Bank loan manager and loving husband backed an organization that rallies for safer streets. 'Kevin had been a huge supporter of Transportation Alternatives for years,' his family said in a statement to The Post. Advertisement 'He was registered for the TA Century ride in September — his favorite bike ride — and that's why he was going out for a long 4-hour bike ride to Coney Island yesterday morning.' The bike race is pegged for Sept. 21 and first started in 1990 before its brief pause. Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, 23, was allegedly behind the wheel of the car that fatally struck Cruickshank and 63-year-old May Kwok, who was sitting on a bench at the time of the crash. Romero and her passenger, 22-year-old Kennedy LaCraft, tried to flee on foot but were captured shortly after. Police found drugs and alcohol in the Chevy. Advertisement 3 The mangled bike was seen in the aftermath. Obtained by the NY Post Another organization dedicated to supporting loved ones of roadway deaths said in a statement to The Post it was 'enraged about the death of yet two more innocent people just trying to get around the city.' 'The families in our organization know far too well the eternal pain and grief that comes with such a loss,' said Dahlia Goldenberg, associate director of Families for Safe Streets. 'Canal Street is one of the most dangerous streets in all of Manhattan – notorious for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities – and a comprehensive redesign is needed to prioritize safety.'
Chicago Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lombard's booming Yemeni coffee shops underscore demand for ‘third places' and culturally appropriate nightlife
At the recent soft launch opening of Shibam Coffee in suburban Glendale Heights, customers swarmed in, lined the red-roped entrance area and stared in wonder at the lavishly decorated interior, with marble floors and Arabic calligraphy on the walls. A few patrons started snapping photos even before getting to the main door. A teenager asked an employee setting up chairs if the Yemeni coffee shop was hiring. What used to be a Chase Bank next to a Taco Bell in a busy plaza on North Avenue was now an immaculately designed cafe serving cardamom coffee and pistachio lattes to customers eager to become regulars. 'People kept asking (on social media) when we were opening and it took a long time — but we wanted it to be perfect,' said Moiz Baig, co-owner of the newly opened Shibam Coffee, the Dearborn, Michigan-based Yemeni coffee chain's first-ever Illinois location. 'The (Yemeni) coffee business is booming right now — no matter how many there are, people are still excited.' The recent boom in Yemeni coffee shops in the Chicago area, specifically in Lombard and other suburbs with a growing population of modern Muslim communities, underscores the rising demand for a place to socialize that isn't tied to alcohol, but with a buzzy nightlife ambience. 'It's a third place for people like us,' Baig said. 'We don't go to bars, but these coffee shops are booming because they are like 'halal bars.'' The recently popularized term 'third place' was coined by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe locations outside of the home and the workplace where people go to connect with one another. While use of the phrase to describe Yemeni coffeehouses may be newer, the concept isn't surprising: People just want a nice place to hang out, a place that feels safe. Great coffee and chai is the bonus. 'People feel like they belong because of the experience — it's for families with kids, it's for people who want to bring their laptop to work, it's for young people (meeting friends),' Baig said. 'No one feels out of place.' Baig said he wanted his cafe to 'bring something that was missing from the market,' with both a spacious interior and parking lot big enough to support the influx of customers. Shibam also offers a prayer room, and an area to wash up for those who want to pray. There's also reservable rooms for large parties. 'That is something nobody has and it's something that's very unique,' Baig said. 'People are booking these rooms for birthdays, for conferences, for meetings. (Shibam) is kind of becoming a home for a lot of people.' The maximum occupancy limit for inside Shibam is 120, with space for nearly 100 more outside. Baig joked that even that might not be enough. Irshad Khanlodhi, Baig's father-in-law and co-owner of Shibam in Glendale Heights, said he revels in seeing young faces and older adults sitting back and feeling at ease in the space he spent so much time creating. He feels a sense of fulfillment for having provided a refuge for the community. On most Friday and Saturday evenings when Yemeni coffeehouses particularly thrive, it's usually a mix of all those groups, and then some. Urdu, Arabic and English fill the air, alongside the clanking of cups and whooshing of espresso machines. 'I love seeing this — can you believe there are almost 200 people here, inside and out?' Khanlodhi said on a recent Saturday night — or early Sunday morning. It was 1:30 a.m., and there was an illuminating glow from the outside, where everything else was quiet and closed. 'It feels like we are somewhere else,' Khanlodhi said. Yemeni coffeehouses have especially resonated in immigrant communities where people want to go out at night, but not to a bar or a club. They still want aesthetics and ambiance and music, but not so loud that conversations are hard to hold. In the daylight hours, places like Shibam shift gears. 'This is the calmest it gets,' said barista Yamana Kurbi on a Thursday afternoon. 'In the beginning it was crazy, I don't know how I had the energy to keep up with it.' The constant chatter and order numbers being called out were replaced by college students on holiday, a group of young girls snapping a photo of the bright pink dragonfruit refresher and remote workers enjoying a change of scenery, sipping a in a beautifully lit cafe. There were people in street clothes, suits, and prayer . Kurbi is Yemeni, but was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. That crossover is not uncommon. She said she was surprised to see the amount of Yemeni, Muslim-owned coffee shops in the Chicago suburbs, something she didn't see much of in India. 'I used to love going to cafes in Hyderabad, there are a lot of really good ones, but I don't even think I can remember one that was Yemeni,' she said. 'When I learned that (Shibam) was opening, I was so excited — my bloodline is Yemeni, so I am very proud to see that there are so many people who love these places.' Yemeni coffeehouses like Shibam appeal to a diverse group of customers, not just immigrants who can relate to the culture. People of all ethnic backgrounds enjoy the same space. And despite the proliferation, there remains a strong demand for new ones. But the central idea behind each one goes back to coffee's roots, something first pulled off by Qahwah House, a Yemeni coffee shop often referred to by customers and competitors as the 'OG.' Ibrahim Alhasbani, founder and owner of Qahwah House, said when the cafe opened in Dearborn, Michigan, in 2017, it was the first Yemeni coffee shop of its kind in the U.S., serving traditional Yemeni-style farm-to-cup coffee. Qahwah House now has more than 23 locations across seven states, and Alhasbani said he gets several requests a day from people interested in a franchise opportunity (though he's set a high standard for which ones he accepts). Since Qahwah House's second location landed in Lombard in 2021, it set off a wave of new Yemeni coffee shops across the Chicago area. Haraz Coffee House is one that's embracing the late-night, alcohol-free third space approach with a franchise model. There are locations in Niles and Orland Park and another soon opening in Aurora, with likely more to come. Alhasbani said he's 'very proud' to have pioneered a new style of business that opened up the market to others, and is graceful about his competitors creating menus almost identical to Qahwah House. 'Our plan from the beginning was to bring Yemeni coffee and Yemeni coffee history to the forefront,' Alhasbani said. 'This is where coffee comes from and this is how we can share our culture with different people from different backgrounds. Of course, we cannot do it only by ourselves.' Coffee is a deeply personal topic for Alhasbani, who comes from a family with eight generations of coffee farmers. When Qahwah House first opened, he hoped to put Yemen on the map and educate people about the rich history of something so integral to people's daily life. Yemen is known to coffee connoisseurs as the birthplace of coffee — the origin of coffee culture, with centuries-old brewing methods. 'We know what coffee means to us — it's not from 2017 when we opened our first coffee shop or from yesterday, we have 300 years of knowing coffee, knowing the quality and the soil and the process,' Alhasbani said. Along with coffee beans from Yemen, each of the American Yemeni cafes has its version of adeni chai, made with tea leaves, evaporated milk, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and sugar, best poured from a hot kettle into tiny glass teacups. The chai doesn't taste the same in a 16-ounce to-go cup, though many do order it that way. Chai, both regular and adeni, have a strong black tea base that's enhanced by the addition of milk, making it creamier and more indulgent — but not heavy. Spices add a lingering warmth and unbeatable aroma. Qahwah House was the first to put adeni chai on the map, said Alhasbani, and the drink now appears on menus at various Yemeni coffeehouses. While it's in reference to Aden, a region in Yemen, the tea itself is from India, which is known for its lush, hilly tea plantations. Alhasbani created adeni chai using Indian techniques of brewing tea leaves with milk and water, but added his own touch with Yemeni spices. 'We don't grow tea in Yemen, we have coffee — we are famous for the coffee!' Alhasbani said with a laugh. Alhasbani said he's proud to see that the cultural significance of the land and its coffee remains intact at each new cafe. He hopes all the new Yemeni coffee shop owners stay true to the farm-to-cup concept. 'You have to bring your coffee from Yemen,' Alhasbani said. 'We need to help the farmers back home. If there are more Yemeni coffee shops open, that means we will need more coffee. We're going to help the economy over there, we're going to help create job opportunities. This is our plan from the beginning.' Beyond Yemeni coffee, the recent surge in Lombard includes other Muslim-owned coffee shops embracing cafe culture, each with its own approach. The sheer volume of coffee shops on Roosevelt Road in Lombard alone is telling, whether they are Yemeni, South Asian, Muslim-owned or immigrant-owned. Driving down from Shibam in Glendale Heights, you would come across Matari Coffee Co. first. Matari fits right into the local landscape: To the left is an Indian grocery store, Pardesi, and a halal Mexican restaurant, Taquería Los Sombreros. To the right is Addah, a Desi street food spot serving paratha rolls and chai. Matari, which has had a location in Skokie since 2024, opened in Lombard in January. The franchise plans to expand to Aurora, Orland Park and Schaumburg later this year, with several more locations slated across the U.S. The large storefront is dressed in brown leather chairs, luxurious booths, pristine white tables, nods to Islamic architecture and subtle reminders of coffee's roots in Yemen. Arshad Yaqoob, co-owner of Matari in Lombard and Skokie, gets his coffee beans directly from Matari headquarters in Canton, Michigan, after they've been shipped from Yemen. Just like any American coffee shop, Matari serves the typical cappuccino, latte, cortado, caramel macchiato, mocha, cold brew, matcha and a lineup of refreshers. But they hope to be known for their drinks such as the 'Matari latte' with notes of cardamon, cinnamon and ginger, or the very-Instagrammable iced pistachio frappuccino. The pistachio drinks and pistachio desserts are having a moment, said Yaqoob. They've got a version of the viral Dubai chocolate bar with pistachio cream and or shredded phyllo filling for $8. Some other places have it for much more, Yaqoob said, but he keeps his price point lower with families in mind, so they can enjoy a treat without breaking the bank. Though Matari is a Yemeni cafe, many of the franchise owners are not. Yaqoob and his nephew, Suleman Sami Noor, who is also a co-owner, are Pakistani. Baig at Shibam is Pakistani, too. But they see overlap in both cultures. 'Growing up, you only had Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, now you have all these Muslim communities opening up all these coffee shops,' Yaqoob said. 'Not only do parents of Muslim kids feel comfortable sending their kids to coffee shops late at night — they also might join them. It's part of our culture to sit down and have chai and stay up socializing. That's what is driving people in.' Yaqoob admitted that competition in the local coffee industry is high, and it can be a challenge being completely different from the rest when the overall concept and offerings are the same, including the pastries. Almost all of the Yemeni coffee shops offer varying flavors of milk cake, cheesecakes, slices of layer cakes (including a Dubai chocolate flavor), croissants, tiramisu cups and an assortment of traditional Yemeni breads and pastries. Yaqoob said it's a small world of vendors supplying a crowded field coffee shops. A two-minute drive from Matari is Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., which also has locations in Aurora, Chicago Ridge and Bridgeview. Qamaria's beverage menu includes all the greatest hits also found at Matari, Shibam and Qahwah House: iced Yemeni-spiced lattes, pistachio-flavored lattes, rose tres leches, honeycomb cake also known as in Arabic. In addition to the adeni chai, Qamaria also offers a latte version with creamy steamed milk. The roster of refreshers is common for a Yemeni cafe — tangerine, wild peach, hibiscus, mango, dragonfruit and lemonade. Qamaria's most notable quality is the Turkish seating along the back wall below a few stained glass window decals. Across the street, inching closer to Qahwah House, is TeaTime AnyTime. While not exclusively known for Yemeni-style drinks, the singular location serves a variety of chai (Irani, zafrani or safron, , Kashmiri and Moroccan) and a long list of milk tea (taro, Thai, honeydew, brown sugar, salted cream brown sugar), fruit teas (dragon berry, peach, mango and more) and slushies. The savory snacks at TeaTime AnyTime vary more than its Yemeni coffeehouse counterparts, which typically offer more sweet options. At TeaTime AnyTime, customers can pick from puff pastry filled with chicken tikka, butter paneer, spinach and cheese and samosas in varieties of veggie, ground beef or chicken. A one-minute drive from there is Pakistani-owned Cafe Bethak. In a sea of Yemeni coffee shops, Cafe Bethak offers customers 'classic, authentic Desi chai,' said the owner, Nimra Irfan. Though she has variations on the menu, the star is the '' — no spices, just the classic preparation with milk, water and tea. Further down the same plaza is Cocomelt, enforcing the cafe culture scene with chocolate-based crepes, waffles and gelato. Popular drinks include iced Korean dalgona, mango mint refresher, iced strawberry matcha and lattes with a churro-vibe. The storefront is massive and visibly expensive — ornate light fixtures, fancy accent chairs as seating and a quiet area for prayer. From Cocomelt, a two-minute drive leads to Sweet Reserve Bakery, a Muslim-owned pastry and coffee shop, known for its custom cakes and dessert case stocked with cheesecake, an assortment of tres leches jars, macarons, cakesicles, creme brulee, key lime tarts. The bakery also serves Turkish breads, egg croissants and a decadent Philly grilled cheese. While the other coffee shops on Roosevelt Road tend to rely on similar sweet and savory items, Sweet Reserve has carved out its own identity. Shaghf Cafe — not Yemeni, but with a focus on similar Arab coffee culture — is also on Roosevelt, but in neighboring Villa Park. With more and more entrepreneurs riding the demand for 'third places' that are open deep into the night, it's likely more of the same style of coffee shops will continue sprouting up a short distance away from existing ones. And more cafes serving coffee and chai mean more options for customers, which can't possibly be a bad thing, said a customer at Shibam recently: 'If there can be four Starbucks in one town, why can't there be a few or more Yemeni coffee shops too?' Mithai on Devon, cakes on Roosevelt: How Chicago and Lombard offer different takes on South Asian sweetsOne mile, more than a dozen Latino-owned cafes: How Pilsen's coffee culture is growing across 18th Street
