System of a Down lead singer makes the leap into coffee

Serj Tankian, lead singer of the rock band System of a Down, has launched a new venture, Kavat Coffee, which opened its first store in Los Angeles in July 2024.

The company, which began in 2018 with direct-to-consumer online sales, aims to bridge cultures through coffee. Tankian’s passion for the brew stems from childhood memories of his grandmother and mother making coffee.

“The smell would drift through the house, giving a feeling of being home,” Tankian said.

Kavat Coffee offers single-source Ethiopian organic coffee, reflecting a deep Armenian connection. The shop also serves as a cultural hub, featuring art and music, and supports other artists by showcasing their work.

“My whole artistic career has been about introducing our culture,” Tankian added. The store’s ambiance, enriched with Tankian’s art and music, creates an oasis for the senses.