By Dathan Kazsuk
At Asali Desserts & Cafe, Hanadi Asad and her daughter Raiyan are building on tradition, hospitality, and the bond that comes from working side by side.
There are plenty of cafés that offer good pastries and beautiful spaces. What makes Asali Desserts & Cafe in Cary stand out is that it feels like something more personal from the moment you walk in. The warmth is real. The details feel intentional. And underneath it all is a story rooted in family.
For founder Hanadi Asad, Asali was built on hospitality, heritage, and the kind of care that comes from recipes and traditions passed through generations. Now, as her daughter Raiyan takes on a larger role in the business, the cafe is also becoming a story about what it means for a mother and daughter to grow together in a new way—not only as family, but as collaborators helping shape the future of something meaningful.
With Mother’s Day approaching, we asked Hanadi and Raiyan about working together, carrying family traditions into the café, and what this chapter means to them both.
How has your relationship as mother and daughter changed as you’ve begun working so closely together at Asali?
Hanadi and Raiyan: Working together has deepened our relationship in ways we didn’t expect. There’s a new level of respect and understanding that comes from seeing each other in a different light—not just as mother and daughter, but as partners navigating challenges, making decisions, and
building something together. Of course, there are moments where those roles overlap, but ultimately, it has brought us closer and strengthened our bond.
What are some of the family recipes, traditions, or values that have shaped the café from the beginning?
Hanadi: Asali was built on the foundation of family, hospitality, and tradition. Many of our recipes are inspired by flavors we grew up with—simple, intentional, and made with care. Some of the most meaningful connections come from recipes that I, along with my children, experienced in our mothers’
and grandmothers’ homes, especially the fresh breads and savory pies.
There’s something unforgettable about those moments, when the smell of something just out of the oven would fill the space, and often those bites were enjoyed before they even made it to the table.
Beyond the food, it’s the values that truly shape the café: welcoming people in as if they’re guests in our home, paying attention to detail, and creating an environment where everyone feels seen and appreciated. That sense of warmth and familiarity is something we’ve carried throughout the business.
Hanadi, what has it meant to see Raiyan step into such an important role in the business?
Hanadi: It’s been incredibly meaningful, and at times emotional. Watching Raiyan grow into her role with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility has made me very proud. What’s been especially special is seeing her set an example for her siblings—they’re watching her grow, lead,
and take ownership, and that in itself is inspiring.
As a mother, I’ve never wanted my children to feel like they have to follow a certain path. But I do hope they gain something from being part of the family business—the experience, the work ethic, and the understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful. If it becomes something they truly enjoy and want to be part of, it brings me great happiness.
Raiyan, what has it meant to help carry forward something your mother built?
Raiyan: It’s something I don’t take lightly. Watching my mom build Asali from the ground up gave me a deep appreciation for the work, sacrifice, and passion behind it. Being able to step in and contribute feels like both an honor and a responsibility. I want to preserve what makes it special while also helping it grow and evolve for the future.
A big part of that for me is bringing in a younger perspective—finding ways to connect with a wider range of people and making sure we’re reaching all ages within our community. I want Asali to feel just as meaningful and exciting to the next generation as it has been for those who have supported it from the beginning.
Are there any dishes or desserts at Asali that feel especially connected to your family story, or to memories of home?
Hanadi: Several items feel deeply personal to us, especially those inspired by flavors from our heritage and childhood. Some of the most meaningful are recipes passed down from my own mother—like our savory pies, rice pudding, and harissa. Every time I see them being prepared, beautifully displayed, or especially enjoyed by our guests, it brings me back to her.
There’s something incredibly special about watching those flavors continue to live on in a new space, creating that same sense of comfort and connection for others. Even as we adapt recipes for the café, we hold onto that sense of nostalgia—something that feels both rooted in home and shared with our community.
What do you think guests feel when they walk into Asali that makes the café feel so personal and family-driven?
Hanadi and Raiyan: We hope they feel warmth immediately. From the design to the way we greet our guests, everything is intentional. It’s important to us that people feel welcomed, relaxed, and cared for. There’s a sense that this isn’t just a place to grab coffee or dessert—it’s a space where people can slow down, connect, and feel a part of something. That personal touch is at the heart of everything we do.
As Mother’s Day approaches, what does this moment mean to both of you—not just as business partners, but as mother and daughter?
Hanadi and Raiyan: This moment feels especially meaningful because it reflects both our personal and professional journey together. Mother’s Day has always been about appreciation, but now it carries an even deeper significance as we share this experience side by side. It’s also special knowing that our family is part of this journey as a whole—the siblings are witnessing it, growing alongside it, and each playing their own role in different ways.
It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, the legacy we’re building together, and the gratitude we have for the opportunity to grow not only as individuals, but as a family.
