International Café
By Irynka Hromotska
Irynka Hromotska
Columbia, Mo.
STORY SUMMARY
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Venezuelan-Libyan couple Elizabeth Hernandez-Gumati and Mohamed Gumati run the International Café in Columbia, Missouri, a small college town in the heart of America. The restaurant, which serves Middle Eastern food and a powerful feeling of home, is a magnet for people from all over the world. After 10 years of service, Covid-19 and the resultant workforce shortage threatens the well-being of the restaurant. The owners work long hours despite reduced operating business hours. They are helped by Yumivia Rojas, who recently immigrated from Venezuela, and Mike, a family friend. Like many other family-run businesses, The International Café has been hit financially by the introduction and expansion of food delivery services. Despite their worry, Elizabeth and Mohamed continue to run their beloved café and serve food to all their guests.
Elizabeth Hernandez-Gumati and Mohamed Gumati take care of the online food delivery order inside the International Café in the heart of Columbia, Mo. The explosion of food delivery services that rose up during the pandemic has impacted the restaurant’s bottom line.
Fresh falafel is produced every alternate day in the International Café.
Due to the shortage in the workforce, Elizabeth and Mohamed do a huge share of the work in the café. Now they employ only one staff member — Yumivia, who recently immigrated to Columbia from Venezuela. They also get support from family friend Mike, who regularly comes to help in the kitchen.
The International Café has a loyal and diverse customer base that comes from all over the city. College student regulars mix easily with business people, immigrants from many different countries and cultures, and local families.
Mohamed came to the United States from Libya in the 1970s. His initial plan was to study English and go back to Libya to help his father with their agricultural business. However, after Muammar Gaddafi rose to power, the possibilities for private business were almost non-existent and Mohamed decided to stay in the US and pursue another career path.
At the end of the day, when International Café’s customer service ceases, Mohamed resumes his prayer while Elizabeth cleans the kitchen.
Mohamed serves food to a customer.
Elizabeth laughs while having coffee during the break with Yumivia. Both women came from Venezuela and speak in their native language with one another.
Mohamed jokes with first-time visitors to the International Café. “When you're too serious, it becomes boring. That's why we always try to joke with our guests and make them smile,” Mohamed said.
A stack of orders sit in the International Café. Many of the guests in the café have been patronizing the business for years. “Columbia is small, it reminds me of cities in my country. Our customers are our friends,” Mohamed said.
Mohamed takes a break from working. While on break, he enjoys watching American movies from the 1960s and browsing Facebook.