When you walk up to the picturesque doors of Niyyah Coffee just off Mass Ave, you won’t be met with the usual buzz of a new coffee shop. You’ll hear the sounds of latte, espresso and other coffee machines hard at work as employees work to fill orders, but it will also be a little quieter.
The shop, owned by Talha Tufail, is the first of its kind in the city, in that it is fully Deaf-owned and operated. However, it’s not the first Niyyah in central Indiana; Talha’s brother, Shamyl Tufail, founded Niyyah Coffee and has a shop in Fishers. And while that coffee shop has introduced customers to authentic chai and unique sips, the mission for this new branch goes far beyond the drinks that it serves.
Open since June 27, the coffeehouse has already garnered the interest of bloggers and influencers. We sat down with Talha to ask him a few questions about Niyyah’s new location and what he hopes to achieve.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us a little bit about this branch of Niyyah Coffee. Is this the same store, ownership and menu as the Fishers location?
Niyyah means “intention” in Arabic, and (my brother’s) intention has always been to create a welcoming space for everyone.
Having a Deaf brother inspired him to create an opportunity that serves a community that is often underserved, and I’m grateful to continue that same mission. We share the same heart and purpose. Our location gives people the chance to experience not only great coffee, but also a Deaf environment where sign language, inclusion and genuine human connection are part of every visit.
This is Indy’s first Deaf-owned coffee shop. Was that always the goal?
Yes. From the beginning, I wanted to build more than a coffee shop. I wanted to create a place where Deaf people are seen for their talents, not their limitations, and where every customer leaves with a new perspective.
Tell us about your staff. While you mentioned that you yourself are Deaf, have you only hired Deaf employees, or are open to hiring anyone who knows ASL?
Yes, I’m Deaf, and many of our team members are Deaf or know sign language. We use a mix of ASL, writing, gestures and technology. Communication may look different here, but it’s always welcoming.
How should customers order respectfully?
Just come in with an open mind. Point to the menu, write your order or try a few signs — we’re happy to help. And one important thing to note: You don’t need to know ASL to come to Niyyah. Your willingness to connect means everything.
What should people order on their first visit?
Our Brown Suga Shook is one of our customer favorites, along with our Fruit Loop Matcha and our seasonal drinks. Our chai is also made in-house and is a customer favorite. They’re all great choices for a first visit, to be honest.
Will there be more Deaf-owned Niyyah locations?
That’s the dream! We hope this is just the beginning. We want to create more opportunities for Deaf entrepreneurs and baristas while building communities one coffee shop at a time.
What do you hope people take away after visiting?
I hope they leave with great coffee, a smile and a different perspective. If someone learns one sign, has one meaningful interaction, or sees the Deaf community differently, then we’ve accomplished our mission.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Lavanya Narayanan is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at lavanya24narayanan@gmail.com.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
