Charlottetown café owner builds a new life after arriving in Canada as a refugee

When Mahmoud Alfrkh arrived in Canada 11 years ago as a refugee, he knew he wanted to start a business. Now, he owns a coffee shop in downtown Charlottetown where he sells coffee, cheesecake, brownies, breakfast sandwiches and lots more. Vivian Ulinwa Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentWhen Mahmoud Alfrkh opened Moe’s Latte in downtown Charlottetown this past spring, it marked a major step toward a goal he had set when he first arrived in Canada as a refugee from Syria.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“My goal was to open a business here,” he said. “My mind was, I’m gonna own a business someday.”Article contentArticle contentMahmoud moved to Charlottetown in 2016 after spending three years in Egypt with his family. They came to Canada through a government program for Syrian refugees.Article contentArticle contentHe’s now a Canadian citizen, but Mahmoud said his early years in Charlottetown were about learning English and adjusting to a new way of life.Article content“I started from level zero. I still struggle with talking, but now I can communicate with others. That’s what matters to me.”Article contentLanguage classes to coffeeArticle contentMahmoud spent five years studying English at Holland College. He started thinking about his long-term plans of owning a business, but his instructors advised him to be patient. A friend encouraged him to gain work experience first. He connected with the newcomer centre, which helped him find a job at a local café.Article contentThat job turned into an eight-year experience where he developed both his skills and confidence.Article content“My English at that time was like, not very much like now. (My boss) just put me to take orders right away with the customers. I struggled, to be honest, but my coworkers and him helped me a lot.”Article contentArticle contentThe latte that changed everythingArticle contentMahmoud grew up around roasting coffee and nuts in Syria, but it was during his time at the café in Charlottetown that he discovered his passion for coffee making.Article content“When I did my first latte art, I knew it, that this is what my future business was going to be. That’s why I call it Moe’s Latte.”Article contentHe said he spent years learning from visiting baristas and experimenting with specialty coffee.Article content Mahmoud Alfrkh pours coffee beans into the roast machine at his café Moe’s Latte in Charlottetown. He moved to Canada through a government program for Syrian refugees in 2016 and opened the café this past spring. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentWhile still working, Mahmoud began looking for a place to open his own business. He found the current space through an online listing. He said he used personal savings from years of work to get the place and renovate it.Article contentHe estimates he spent under $200,000 to open the café with help from his father.Article content“When I thought about it, I’m said I’m going to put a lot of money in here, but I wanted to deliver a nice experience to my customers.”