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Silver Spring, Maryland · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Kefa Cafe

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Kefa Cafe; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasting arrangement unverifiedSourcing: Limited public info
TagsKefa CafeMaryland coffee roastersIndependent
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Kefa Cafe is a long-standing, independent coffee shop in Silver Spring, Maryland, that has served as a vital community hub for three decades. The cafe is celebrated for its warm, homey environment and its role as a gathering place for residents, artists, and local groups. It emphasizes a welcoming experience paired with organic coffee and simple, fresh food offerings.

Ownership
Kefa Cafe is an independent, family-owned business operated by a sister duo, Lene and Abeba Tsegaye.
Founded
1996
Roasting
Roasting arrangement not independently verified.
What it's known for
Kefa Cafe is widely recognized as a community institution and a welcoming gathering space often referred to as the living room of Silver Spring. It is known for its Ethiopian coffee, homey atmosphere, and long-standing commitment to the local community.
Farm-level sourcing
The cafe highlights its use of organic, fair-trade coffee and showcases Ethiopian coffee, but does not publicly disclose specific farm or producer names for its offerings. The sourcing information provided is general rather than specific to individual lots or farms.
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Kefa Cafe, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-06-22 · Source of the Spring
Downtown Silver Spring Celebrates 30 Years of Kefa Café

Community members and local officials gathered to celebrate Kefa Cafe's 30th anniversary, honoring its resilience through challenges like a 2015 fire and local construction. The event also showcased new facade improvements supported by the Montgomery Housing Partnership.

2026-05-29 · The MoCo Show
Beloved Cafe To Celebrate 30th Anniversary

Kefa Cafe, a long-standing Silver Spring institution owned by Lene Tsegaye, announced a community celebration to mark its 30th anniversary. The event highlights the cafe's history as a neighborhood hub known for its Ethiopian coffee and welcoming atmosphere.

2026-05-07 · Silver Spring, MD Patch
Wheaton-Kensington Restaurant Week: What Eateries Are Joining?

Kefa Cafe was listed as one of the participating eateries in the second iteration of the Wheaton-Kensington Restaurant Week. The inclusion highlights the brand's continued presence and engagement in the local culinary scene.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-27. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the cafe is well-known for serving Ethiopian coffee, I could not verify the specific roaster or the names of the farms/producers behind their coffee supply.

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