Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) alumnus and Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Murod Mamatov has returned to OCCC to manage the newly updated coffee shop. Mamatov graduated from OCCC in 2008 with an associate degree in business administration and is excited to be back on campus.
Mamatov is no stranger to the industry. During a class project as an OCCC student, Mamatov expressed the need for a coffee shop on campus. His professor encouraged him to write a business plan he could present to the College’s administration, which resulted in the opening of the OCCC Coffee Shop in 2006. He went on to manage the coffee shop for three years before going to Oklahoma City University to complete his bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Mamatov’s experience in coffee didn’t stop with OCCC. After a working six years as an accountant for Devon Energy, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge in Edmond, Oklahoma. The unique concept of incorporating elements common to cafes in Europe, including serving wine and gelato, has proven successful. In August, he plans to open a second Edmond location of Ellis Island.
“Fast forward 10 years and I became aware President Steward had a vision to transform and improve the coffee shop and food service at OCCC,†Mamatov says. “I offered my help in the process and was fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of his vision.â€
Mamatov has many plans for the updated coffee shop, including only employing OCCC students to give them a convenient and hands-on place to work and study. He also supports local Oklahoma businesses, including La Baguette Bistro, Uptown Grocery and EÔTÉ Coffee Roasters, by incorporating their products in the menu.
“OCCC is a very special place to me. It gave me the skills and knowledge needed to start by own business, which changed by life for the better,†Mamatov says. “OCCC gives many people an opportunity to start their education, including first-generation students and working parents. OCCC makes it possible for these people and more to pursue their dreams.â€
Mamatov grew up in the former Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan. As a high school senior, he left home to become a foreign exchange student in Montgomery, Alabama. Through a connection in Alabama, he moved to Oklahoma to attend OCCC as an international student. Today, Mamatov is proud to call himself a United States citizen.
The OCCC Coffee Shop is located on the first floor of the Main Building on OCCC’s Main Campus. The coffee shop is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The coffee shop offers a variety of coffees, teas, baked goods and sandwiches.
