Fidel Samour
Fidel & Co. Coffee Roasters / Sterling Market
MBA – 2014 – UA Little Rock
“After earning my bachelor’s degree in mathematics and business administration, I began my 12-year career at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where I worked in several roles working on programs outside the hospital walls, but longest as the Director of Community Clinical Programs.
I was reunited with a childhood friend from El Salvador who was selling his green coffee in Arkansas. My wife and I visited Raul in El Salvador and our plan to create our farm-to-retail business through Fidel & Co Coffee Roasters in Little Rock’s East Village was born. We recently added a second location in the River Market on President Clinton Avenue.
Fidel & Co opened in 2019, with the opening of Sterling Market – just across the street in the former Sterling Paint Building – following in early 2023. We source as much as we can from local businesses and farms to create a unique experience for our guests. Our chefs determine a diverse menu for both Fidel & Co and Sterling Market based on high quality and scratch-made products. The process in which the coffee and food are made are very important to us.
We imagined a partnership that would not only bring an excellent coffee experience to Little Rock, but also honor all who were involved in creating it. I always say,
“Never underestimate what you bring to the table.”
Affordable and relevant, a great metropolitan university is critical to the infrastructure of a vibrant city. It also requires a strong alumni association that’s engaged in civic and business leadership throughout the Capital City. UA Little Rock boasts both – with a shared vision for the future. As UA Little Rock celebrates the success of its alumni, the university and alumni reflect on the role the institution plays in the continued economic development of Central Arkansas and the wealth of knowledge is offer current students.
