On the Esplanade of the VUB, in the spot where Opinio once stood, Bar Buna will soon open its doors. A new meeting place serving strong coffee, freshly baked treats and, above all, a warm atmosphere. The heart behind the project is Yeabsera (23), a young entrepreneur with endless energy and a clear mission.
âI dreamt of running my own place when I was a child,â Yeabsera explains. âI always said I wanted to be my own boss one day. When this opportunity came along, it felt completely natural. After all, I was born in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. This adventure just makes sense.â
Whatâs in a name?
The name of the bar carries more than you might expect. âBunaâ literally means coffee in Amharic, while in Romanian itâs a warm âhelloâ. In Hebrew it refers to knowledge and insight, and sometimes itâs even translated as âgrandmaâ. âThat richness makes the name really special to me,â says Yeabsera.
âWith Bar Buna, I want to create a place where everyone feels welcome. A spot where students and staff donât just come to drink or eat, but also to relax, meet each other, or find inspiration.â
On the menu
Alongside high-quality coffee, Bar Buna will serve bagels, steaming soup in winter, homemade banana bread, croissants, pain au chocolat, smoothies and light snacks. For the thirsty, there are also soft drinks and beers. In short: a menu as versatile as the campus itself.
Yeabsera has one absolute must-try: her homemade chai latte. âThatâs my favourite,â she says. âI also love experimenting with new flavours. Right now, Iâm offering âMilk but not milkâ, a plant-based milk that tastes just like the real thing, but without that typical aftertaste.â
More than just a project
What does Yeabsera hope for most? That visitors leave Bar Buna with a good feeling. âI want people to take a smile with them when they go. Bar Buna isnât just my project â itâs a place that grows thanks to everyone who steps inside.â
One thing is certain: the smell of coffee and the warm atmosphere will breathe new life into the Esplanade.
