Austin has become a new home for Syrian Kurdish refugees Youssef and Rony Shabo, who launched BRB Coffee in 2025, located within a local laundromat. Youssef, a college graduate of 2011, witnessed the initial protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which eventually escalated into a devastating civil war.
“At the time, the protests were becoming serious,” recounted Shabo, “and military service in Syria was mandatory.” The Syrian Civil War, spanning over a decade, resulted in an immense loss of life and displaced millions, with over half of the Syrian population becoming refugees.
David Lesch, a distinguished history professor at Trinity University, highlighted that Kurds, as a significant ethnic minority without a nation, were particularly vulnerable during this tumultuous period. Under Assad’s regime, Kurds faced systemic discrimination, which prompted Shabo and many others to flee the country.
In a desperate attempt to escape, Shabo received a midnight call from his aunt at Aleppo airport, warning that the borders were closing to young men. “The regime was eager to draft as many individuals as possible,” explained Lesch. By 8 a.m. the following day, Shabo was on a flight to Jordan, leaving behind family and friends without farewells.
Months later, his family joined him in the United States, where they sought asylum and were granted citizenship in 2019. “I drove to San Antonio for the citizenship exam,” Shabo recalled. “The freedom in this country is something I deeply respect and admire.”
Upon arriving in the U.S., Shabo faced a stark cultural adjustment. “In the U.S., it’s always 75 degrees,” he noted, reflecting on the differences he encountered. Growing up with Turkish coffee, known for its strong flavor, he found American drip coffee lacking. “It just didn’t satisfy my taste,” he said, which led him to explore various brewing methods as a personal interest.
After graduating from the University of Texas in 2020 and working briefly in architecture, Shabo and his brother Rony decided to create a business of their own, especially after Rony lost his tech job. They reminisced about a laundromat they frequented while at university, where they would often enjoy coffee while waiting for their laundry.
“People spend about two hours in the laundromat,” Shabo explained. “They’re literally watching paint dry.” They proposed their coffee shop idea to the laundromat owner, who enthusiastically supported the concept and even donated unused dryers to serve as counter space.
Initially, BRB Coffee offered a conventional menu of lattes and pastries, but customer feedback inspired them to weave in elements of their Syrian heritage. “During our soft opening, my mom brought in trays of baklava, which were a hit,” Shabo said. What began as a weekend offering quickly became a staple, thanks to his mother’s dedication to baking.
BRB Coffee’s unique location within a laundromat makes it somewhat challenging to find, a characteristic Shabo appreciates. “I enjoy it being a little obscure; it adds character,” he remarked.
Since its inception, BRB Coffee has transformed into a vibrant community hub, hosting various cultural and artistic events. The Shabbo brothers have organized concerts, comedy nights, arts and crafts gatherings, and a weekly chess club.
A notable event in July featured Shako Mako, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Iraqi Americans, founded by Noor Saud Abdulaziz, a war refugee who arrived in the U.S. in 2012. “I pursued my education and earned a PhD in educational psychology,” she shared.
Abdulaziz’s organization aims to preserve Iraqi culture while aiding others in adapting to American life. The women’s circles hosted at BRB Coffee allow participants to share their experiences and support each other. “I feel fulfilled being able to assist other communities, regardless of their backgrounds,” she expressed.
