MPW.73 / 2021 International Café by Irynka Hromotska
Photographer
Irynka Hromotska Columbia, Mo.

Team Cox

Story Summary

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.