A new coffee destination is brewing just across the Mystic River from Chelsea. Kima Cafe, a Korean- and Asian-inspired specialty coffee shop, is preparing to open in mid-September at 75 Bow Street in Somerville's Union Square, bringing a fresh culinary concept from a familiar name in Greater Boston's food scene.

The cafe comes from Alex Kim, a restaurateur whose fingerprints are already on some of the area's most beloved spots. Kim founded Glasser Coffee Co. in Brighton's Oak Square neighborhood in 2020 and co-owns Coreanos Allston, the popular Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant that has built a devoted following since opening in 2016.

From Coffee Shop to Cafe Concept

For Kim, Kima Cafe represents an expansion of the coffee expertise he developed at Glasser Coffee Co., which quickly became a neighborhood fixture after opening during the uncertainty of the pandemic. That shop, located at 589 Washington Street in Brighton, serves specialty coffee including Vietnamese cold brew, espresso drinks, and teas alongside a food menu featuring breakfast tacos, bowls, and sandwiches.

The name "Glasser" itself carries personal significance—it's the phonetic translation of the Korean word "그래서" (so), reflecting the way the Kim family finds their relationship with coffee. Alex Kim was joined at Glasser in 2020 by his friend Sarah Kim, an experienced barista who helped launch the café before later moving on to other ventures. Sarah Kim had previously worked at Nine Bar Espresso and Gracenote.

At Kima Cafe, the direction appears to follow a similar philosophy with a distinctly Korean and Asian influence. A hiring post for the business indicated it is curating a Korean and Asian-inspired menu and seeking baristas to help create "fun drinks." While specific menu details have not been announced, the concept could mirror some of the flavors found at Glasser Coffee Co., where the Kim family's Korean-American identity is reflected in both the space and the offerings.

A Family Legacy in Boston Dining

Kim's venture into Kima Cafe builds on a family tradition of restaurant entrepreneurship. In 2016, he helped his parents, Jina and Yongsik Kim, open Coreanos Allston in the heart of Allston Village. Jina Kim brought experience as a former partner at Bibim, a homestyle Korean spot, while Yongsik Kim contributed years of restaurant experience in and around Boston.

Coreanos—Spanish for "Korean"—pioneered the Korean-Mexican fusion trend locally, offering dishes like bulgogi tacos, kimchi quesadillas, and their signature kimchi fritas: french fries loaded with pan-fried kimchi, cheese, scallions, spicy mayo, cilantro lime sauce, and a sunny-side-up egg. The restaurant has since expanded with a food truck and a second location in Framingham that opened in February 2025.

Alex Kim's background extends beyond the kitchen. Before opening Glasser Coffee Co., he worked in over 10 different restaurants as a dishwasher, busboy, and server. He also brings experience in woodworking and construction to his projects—a diverse skill set that has helped him build spaces that reflect both quality and personal passion.

Taking Over a Union Square Spot

Kima Cafe will occupy the space at 75 Bow Street that was previously home to Fortissimo Coffeehouse, which operated in the Union Square location before closing. The transition represents the latest chapter in a neighborhood that has seen significant evolution in recent years.

Plans for the new cafe became public earlier this summer when Glasser Coffee LLC, doing business as Kima Cafe, applied for Common Victualer and Entertainment by Devices licenses at the Bow Street location. The Somerville Licensing Commission scheduled a public hearing on the applications in June.

What This Means for Chelsea Readers

For Chelsea residents, Kima Cafe offers an appealing nearby option for specialty coffee with a unique cultural perspective. Located just minutes from Chelsea's border, Union Square has become an increasingly popular destination for dining and entertainment, with the Green Line extension making the area more accessible than ever.

The cafe's Korean-inspired approach adds to the growing diversity of culinary options in the region, joining establishments like Coreanos that bring international flavors to local neighborhoods. While specific menu items and operating hours have not yet been announced, the combination of Alex Kim's track record and the area's appetite for quality coffee suggests Kima Cafe could become a welcome addition to the local food scene.

As the mid-September opening approaches, more details about Kima Cafe's offerings are expected to emerge. For now, coffee enthusiasts in Chelsea and surrounding communities have a new spot to watch—and soon, to visit. You can learn more about the upcoming opening from the original Somerville Patch report.