For more than a decade, the storefront on 142nd Street near Malcolm X Blvd., in Harlem, was known to neighbors simply as the African market. Opened in 2014 by their Guinean parents looking to anchor their family in the community, it became a staple on the block.
Twelve years later, their three daughters, Mariama Camara (28), Fantagbe Camara (27) and Sira Camara (26), decided it was time to continue the legacy.
After pitching to their father to take over half the store as a pilot, the sisters opened Union Cafe. Today, the hybrid space blends West African heritage with classic New York City coffee shop culture. The cafe has hosted performances by breakout stars such as Jacquees, Kenyon Dixon, and Dawn Richard, and an expansion is already on the horizon.
“We grew up in Harlem, so it only made sense to start in Harlem,” said Mariama Camara. “Our parents opened an African market here in 2014, and we wanted to add to its value 12 years later. We learned the importance of community and unity. Harlem hospitality means sharing Black experiences and celebrating through food, music, conversation, and fashion.”
Growing up Guinean in Harlem was a unique experience, the sisters said they were grateful for.
She said behind the counter, they experimented like “scientists in the kitchen,” fusing West African staples into classic NYC cafe culture. Their menu features house-made syrups and signature drinks like West African Café Au Lait, Baobab Lattes, and Hibiscus Ginger Juices.
Drawing on childhood memories, their signature recommendations are the plantain latte and date latte.
“African cuisine includes plantain in many different ways, and we wanted to merge that into the cafe,” Mariama shared.
Designed as a welcoming Black-owned space, Union Cafe is built to feel like an extension of home where regulars are greeted by name.
“Whether you’re here to work, catch up with a friend, pray, read, or just enjoy a coffee, everyone should feel comfortable,” she said.
Union Cafe adapts to the rhythm of the neighborhood. A Tuesday morning can be calm, with coffee brewing and customers catching up. By Saturday afternoon, the space is filled with friends and families, pastries baking, and a soundtrack blending Afrobeats, jazz, R&B, and more from artists like Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, and Lauryn Hill.
Of course, running a business in New York City comes with hurdles. For the sisters, realizing how quickly they outgrew half of the storefront brought both excitement and operational stress.
“Every small business owner has moments where things feel impossible,” said Mariama. “We remind ourselves why we started, lean on our faith, family, and community, and keep showing up every day. Harlem has shown us so much love, and that keeps us going.”
For the founders, ownership in a rapidly changing city is about building a lasting legacy.
“Ownership means creating something that serves the community and can be passed down. We hope Union Cafe becomes part of Harlem’s story by bringing people together, celebrating African culture, and proving businesses rooted in the community can thrive,” Mariama emphasized.
