At a time when coffee chains like Starbucks reign supreme, the owners of a new shop are looking to bring something unique to the coffee shop scene.

 

Charlene and Jamal Hamood, the owners of The Dessert Oasis on the corner of 2nd and Main Street in downtown Rochester, want to offer customers an experience that is vastly different from the one they are used to at a run-of-the-mill coffee shop.

 

“We don’t look at the people who come into our store as new customers,” said Jamal Hamood. “We look at them as new friends.”

 

The scene inside the café is relaxed, with large decoupaged tables and a few couches surrounding a stage that looks out onto Main Street.

 

The café has free wireless Internet and printing, copying and faxing services for those looking for a quiet place to study or conduct meetings.

 

 “We want it to be a friendly atmosphere,” said Charlene Hamood, “a comfortable setting for people who want to eat lunch, have meetings or just grab a coffee with a friend.”

 

At the counter, customers line up for a variety of desserts in a large glass case including baklava, a variety of pies, mousses and other treats to pair with one of the many hot or cold beverages served at the café.

 

The Dessert Oasis also serves reasonably priced lunch and dinner selections.

 

One substantial menu item is the  “Rockin’ Rolled Sandwiches,” a rolled sandwich with a flaky outer crust.

 

On Fridays, two customers can share cheese fondue and receive the chocolate fondue half off the usual price.

 

“It was common for coffee shops to sell fondue back in the day. We’re kind of a modern take on old-fashioned coffee shops,” said Charlene Hamood.

 

Along with their large latte and chocolate mousse, customers can also find entertainment Friday through Sunday nights starting at 6 p.m.

 

Stephanie Hamood, a singer, who specializes in acoustic 60’s and 70’s classics, is the daughter of Charlene and Jamal Hamood and one of a handful of musicians who perform at the coffee shop during the weekend.

 

Customers are invited to share the stage on Mondays for open-mic night at 6 p.m. or high school open-mic night on Wednesdays.

 

“It was slow at first, but it’s picked up. We’ve had banjos, guitars and bagpipes … something for everyone,” said Charlene Hamood.

 

To get a taste of the new café, customers can take part in this Thursdays Girl’s Night Out in downtown Rochester, where The Dessert Oasis will offer cheese fondue for $3 per person and karaoke.