Meet Emir Suljic | Coffee Roaster and Mobile Coffee Cart Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emir Suljic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emir, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I set out to start my two coffee-focused businesses, my primary goal was to enrich the community with exceptional coffee. My journey began with Merak Coffee Roasters, where I aimed to create a small-batch roasting operation dedicated to delivering the highest quality, freshly roasted coffee. Each batch is roasted to order, ensuring that every bag of coffee is as fresh as possible for our customers.

Building on that foundation, I co-founded Diaspora Coffee Co with my wife. Here, our vision was to blend high-quality coffee with our cultural heritage. The idea was to craft unique beverages that reflect the rich traditions of both my wife’s Palestinian background and my Bosnian heritage. Our logo and specialty drinks are inspired by our cultures, incorporating distinctive flavors and ingredients to introduce our community to the diverse tastes of our homelands.

Both businesses are a testament to our commitment to quality and our desire to share our cultural narratives through coffee.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Diaspora Coffee Co and Merak Coffee Roasters stand out because we infuse each aspect of our businesses with elements from our Bosnian and Palestinian cultures. This cultural influence is evident in our drinks and menu items, making our offerings unique. I’m particularly excited about sharing our story with the community and serving high-quality coffee. Hosting people and serving specialty coffee has always been a passion of mine, and now I have the opportunity to connect with a larger audience who shares that love.

Reaching this point has not been without its challenges. I faced significant obstacles, including a previous business venture with partners that did not end well. However, I’ve learned to view these experiences as valuable lessons. Overcoming difficulties requires resilience, staying true to your vision, and learning from past mistakes. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. It’s crucial to remain true to who you are and let your story and values shine through in your business.

Merak and Diaspora are more than just coffee businesses; they are a reflection of our family backgrounds and cultural heritage. We aim to offer a glimpse into our cultures while sharing our passion for coffee. Our goal is to build lasting connections with our customers and create a community where people can appreciate and enjoy the rich flavors and stories behind our coffee.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Coffee and Culture

1418 Coffee in Downtown Plano: Start with a visit to this fantastic coffee shop, known for its exceptional brews and welcoming atmosphere.
Pax and Beneficia: Another must-visit coffee spot that excels in crafting unique and high-quality drinks.
Day 2: Culinary Delights

Ricky’s Hot Chicken: For lunch, dive into one of the best Nashville hot chicken sandwiches around.
Eddie’s Market: Enjoy an authentic Balkan dining experience that brings a taste of my heritage to the table.
Day 3: Exploring Communities

Tour some of Dallas’s stunning mosques and Muslim Community Centers, including Qalam, Roots, EPIC, Valley Ranch, Sachse Masjid, and IANT. These sites offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse communities in Dallas.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Rockwall: Spend a day at one of my favorite golf courses in the DFW area, perfect for enjoying the outdoors and some friendly competition.
Day 5-7: Local Favorites

Explore the Dallas Arts District, visit the Dallas Farmers Market, and check out the Bishop Arts District for eclectic shops and eateries.
Take a stroll through Klyde Warren Park and perhaps catch a performance or enjoy some food from local vendors.
Dallas has so much to offer, and this itinerary only scratches the surface, but it includes some of my personal favorites and highlights that I think anyone would enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my wife, who has been an indispensable part of my journey and a constant source of motivation. Her unwavering support for my passion for coffee and her encouragement to pursue my dreams have been instrumental in everything I’ve achieved. Her belief in me and our shared vision has truly shaped the success of my endeavors.

Website: https://merakcoffeeroasters.com/. https://diasporacoffeeco.com/

Instagram: Merakcoffeeroasters; Diasporacoffee.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emir-sulji%C4%87-mha-010569130/

Image Credits
All Images taken by PhotographybyShefa