Karma Coffee House is open early mornings and late nights, making it easy for students to enjoy. To study, socialize with the owner, Venkat or relax, Karma is home to hospitality. Photos by Allie Nannini
This fall, avid coffee drinkers may want to drop the Starbucks Pumpkin-Spice Latte. What used to be a hot pink cupcake store, Karma Coffee House has come to be the hangout spot for Westminster students to enjoy.
“What do you like to do for fun?” asked Venkat Subramani, the owner of Karma. “Come hang out here.”
Located on 1751 S. 1100 East, Karma delivers early morning and late night hours, flexible enough for the busy student looking to grab a cup of coffee before a cram session. Or, visitors can have an in-depth conversation with its owner.
“I want the kids to come to be intellectual, have a home away from home, relax, read a book,” Subramani said.
With philosophical ideals that fit the Westminster community, the shop features a wall of intellect: A framed photo of Charles Darwin, a poster of the periodic table, a world map, a full bookshelf and the New York Times on a table. Across from it, a poster of Gandhi and a framed photo of Mother Theresa, giving a hint to Subramani’s roots.
Karma serves a variety of treats and drinks, including mango lassi and masala chai, as well as a special house coffee blend that features grounds from three different countries. Karma also serves authentic Indian cuisine during its dinner hours.
The food, praised by the local Indian community, is homestyle. Everything is made from scratch and in “chef size.”
According to Subramani, this shop is the American Dream. He came to the United States from Madurai, India, and works in a lab during the afternoon (the reason why the shop is closed during afternoon hours).
Karma delivers an Indian-style, welcoming environment. It also has a small deck seating area that is ideal for the fall weather rolling through.
“You don’t know me; I don’t know you,” Subramani said.
That is what he enjoys so much about the shop—having conversations and sharing ideals with people he would have never shared with in any other setting.
Subramani said he has put a lot of hard work and money into his dream.
“I come across good people,” he said. “It’s worth it.”
