From the moment you walk into 99 Cafe, the space feels both polished and inviting. Marble finishes stretch across the counters, walls and tables, giving the cafe a clean, modern look, while a glowing red “99” shines bright on the front counter. Soft music hums in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Located in West Tampa, 99 Cafe goes beyond serving coffee, it will offer a comfortable, community-centered space where guests can unwind and feel right at home.
Local market worker Hamza Ayoub, came to America in 2010 and found a community that welcomed him. Over the years he built long-lasting relationships with residents in the area, along with University of Tampa students. Looking for a change, Ayoung wanted to create a space for those who supported him. A place where students could go study and enjoy coffee not offered elsewhere.
"It's not about money for me. Customer relationships is the most important thing for me. Its customer satisfaction and creating connections that is important," said Ayoub, now manager of 99 Cafe.
While working at the market, Ayoub spent three years at the location before deciding to pursue something new. He connected with Middle Eastern business owners Issa and Musa, who founded 99 Cafe and opened several locations overseas.
They later launched their first American location in Jacksonville, offering coffee, shakes, desserts, pastries, full meals, hookahs and more.
"I was on social media and saw they were looking for a partner to expand to another location in Florida. I reached out said I am looking for a partner to open a cafe," Ayoub said. "They called me back and told me the option to be apart of the franchise and I immediately said okay let do it. They came to Tampa saw the location and they hope this will help grow the company."
Inside 99 Cafe, the name is tied into every concept. There are 99 menu items, the number represents the owners’ birth year and each price ends in 99 cents.
The coffee is made with Columbian-Brazil beans and their signature "coolers," also known as refreshers, are made from scratch behind the counter.
The Jacksonville location is known for its specialty cheesecakes, and that same recipe is coming to Tampa, including table-side chocolate pours.
Every Friday, all drinks are 99 cents. After purchasing nine drinks, customers receive the tenth free. Guests who visit on their birthday and show ID will receive their entire order at no cost.
"I'm doing this for the residents and the students. I have gotten more support than I thought, and down the line, we plan to open another location that I will be the owner of," Ayoub said.
Ayoub said he has worked hard to make the cafe feel like family for those who walk through the doors.
"I’ve built relationships in this community, especially with students, and I love seeing their support," he said with a smile. "I even set up three Wi-Fi routers to make sure students have strong service. This is what makes me happy, not money. I’m just excited to see the company grow."
99 Cafe will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature a UTampa student DJ, free drinks for the first 99 customers, and 99-cent drinks for the next 99 guests. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card.