Ali Sami: We Work as One Family… Our Dream Is for “Cinnamon Cave” to Become a Proud Egyptian Brand Competing on a Global Scale
Cairo – Maii Abdo:
At the Journalists’ Syndicate, surrounded by an atmosphere charged with passion and determination, Ali Sami, Executive Director of Cinnamon Cave, spoke with calm confidence and a smile that reflected pride and certainty. His words went beyond business—they told the story of an Egyptian dream that began as an idea and grew into a symbol of ambition, creativity, and perseverance.Ali recalls how it all began when businessman Mr. Tamer Mohamed Abdelwahab and his wife Dr. Nourhan Saad teamed up with Mr. Ali Sami, a seasoned expert in the field, to create a 100% Egyptian brand specializing in cinnamon rolls.
The trio shared a belief that Egyptians could craft a product capable of competing internationally, as long as it was built on genuine expertise and driven by passion.From day one, Mr. Tamer and Dr. Nourhan paid close attention to every detail—from the dough recipe to the baking process—serving as the cornerstone of the brand’s unique flavor identity. Through relentless experimentation and refinement, they created a special formula that perfectly balanced softness with a rich, distinctive taste.Meanwhile, Mr. Ali Sami oversaw operations, management, and daily performance, ensuring consistency in training, quality control, service, and marketing.
Together, they formed the triangle of success—innovation, execution, and leadership.Among the key figures behind the brand’s daily success is Mr. Ibrahim El-Sayed, one of the core managers responsible for maintaining smooth operations and delivering the high-quality service that has become synonymous with Cinnamon Cave.Ali explains:> “From the start, our mission was to prove that Egyptians can create a global brand without imitation. We focused on the smallest details—from the texture of the dough to the way we serve and interact with our guests. Everything here was made by our own hands, and over time, the place became part of who we are—it’s more than just work; it’s family.”The philosophy of Cinnamon Cave revolves around teamwork and shared ownership. As Ali describes it:
“Everyone here feels like a partner. We don’t see ourselves as just colleagues—we’re one family. Even during busy hours, everyone works with the same energy and dedication. There’s no hierarchy—each of us completes the other.”This strong sense of belonging has become the brand’s secret ingredient. Customers don’t just come for the taste—they come for the feeling. Many travel from across Cairo, drawn not only by the food but by the warmth and friendliness that define the Cinnamon Cave experience.
“There’s a customer who drives all the way from Maadi just to have his coffee here,” Ali says, smiling. “He tells me he loves the place because everyone treats him like family.”The menu itself reflects creativity and adaptability.Beyond the classic cinnamon roll, the team has introduced new varieties such as savory rolls filled with cheese, olives, thyme, and cheddar sauce, as well as a molten cake cinnamon roll served with ice cream—offering a delightful blend of warm and cold flavors in a single bite.They’ve also expanded into innovative beverages, including milkshakes and frappés, with special creations like the Tiramisu Frappé that quickly became a viral trend among customers.
“We’re always experimenting and evolving,” Ali says. “Whenever we get new ideas, we test them, tweak them, and perfect them. Creativity never stops as long as you have passion.”When speaking about future expansion, Ali emphasizes steady and strategic growth:> “We started in Hadaeq El Ahram, then opened in Sheikh Zayed, and soon, we’ll be launching our branch in New Cairo. Once we’ve established our presence across Egypt, our next step will be international—most likely in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.”He concludes with words that capture the essence of the Cinnamon Cave spirit:> “We’re not just selling a product—we’re offering an experience.
Cinnamon Cave is more than a restaurant; it’s a culture of dedication, creativity, and unity. Every detail carries an Egyptian soul that works with passion and pride.”With visible pride, he adds:> “From Mr. Tamer and Dr. Nourhan to the youngest team member, we are all partners in one dream. That’s the true secret behind our success. We’re a 100% Egyptian brand built on belief, teamwork, and trust. When you build something with a family spirit—it grows, it lasts, and it becomes a symbol of Egypt for the world to see.
On a broader level, Cinnamon Cave emerged at a time when Egyptians began showing greater support for local brands amid calls to boycott foreign products due to recent regional events. For the team, this wasn’t about seizing a market opportunity, but about proving that Egyptian-made products could match and even surpass international standards—demonstrating the strength of local industry and the potential of Egyptian creativity.Ali explains:
“Our goal wasn’t to take advantage of the boycott—it was to show that an Egyptian brand can stand strong on its own, satisfy local tastes, and compete globally. That’s our message: quality, pride, and the power of Egyptian craftsmanship.”Ultimately, Cinnamon Cave is not merely a new business venture—it’s a genuine Egyptian success story. It reflects what can be achieved when a dream is built with effort, vision, and a collective spirit. At a time when many still associate quality with foreign brands, Cinnamon Cave stands as living proof that excellence can proudly be Made in Egypt.
What makes the brand truly exceptional is not only its delicious products or diverse menu, but the unity and shared purpose that define its people. Here, there is no “boss” and “employee”—only a cohesive family that celebrates every success together.And perhaps that is the secret behind its lasting impact: a shared sense of belonging that turns every achievement into a story of “we,” not “I.
”This is an Egyptian story still being written—one of perseverance, passion, and belief. It proves that when Egyptian youth are given the opportunity, they can innovate, create, and build a future worthy of Egypt’s proud legacy.Cinnamon Cave is no longer just a name on a storefront—it has become a symbol of a dream realized, born from passion, sustained by teamwork, and destined to shine beyond borders.
