In between two large-scale construction projects near Fremont Park in Midtown Sacramento—Legado de Ravel and 16 Powerhouse, both mixed-use buildings—a smaller construction project is also underway at a place called Karma Brew.

“Another place to drink beer in Midtown?,” you’re probably thinking. Not so fast. The brew in question here isn’t just beer, as its owner will explain in a bit.

On a weekday afternoon at 1530 16^th Street (on the corner of 16^th and P streets), owner Anthony Sadeghi is putting finishing touches on Karma Brew’s décor. Its dark bar is from the historic Sam’s Town in Cameron Park, and there are pieces of modern art behind an espresso machine, and a large metal coat of arms hanging near a window. Sadeghi, who’s wearing a pair of large rings on his right hand and trinkets on both arms, hopes it’ll be open in two or three weeks, he says.

If his name seems familiar, maybe that’s because SN&R previously wrote about Sadeghi when he’d just opened Karma Café on Sutter Street in Folsom in 2009. Among other things, the article explained that Sadeghi grew up in England, has degrees in graphic design and photography, and is a spiritual man.

After three years operating Karma Café, he sold it to new owners in 2012, and it folded only six months after that. But his new project will be different, he explains.

“This is not Karma Café, this is Karma Brew.”

It’ll feature spiced coffee drinks like Turkish coffee, many types of tea, house-made kombucha, a small selection of international beers on tap (one of which will be Weihenstephaner), wine, and even kava, he says. Its small kitchen will be reflected by a small menu with an “international flair” and a focus on “healthy” items, which Sadeghi lists as: lettuce cups (both vegetarian and chicken options), sausages (vegan and non-vegan), appetizers (cheese plates, hummus, olives), and “something with shrimp.”

Despite the fact that it’ll have nearby competition from the likes of Magpie Café and Insight Coffee (in the 16 Powerhouse building), and University of Beer (in the Legado de Ravel building), Sadeghi claims he isn’t worried about them. His place is more about the “calm and beautiful” atmosphere, he says.

Indeed, Karma Brew has a lot of personal touches. Its décor includes a combination of Victorian and art deco styles, and much of it he constructed himself. A lot of pieces came from Karma Goods—an Auburn-based store he also previously owned—which sold furniture, clothing and jewelry.

As for managing the food and drink, since he doesn’t have formal culinary training, he’s bringing in help. He says that friends who have experience in the restaurant industry will lend a hand.

His target audience? People with a “champagne taste, and a beer budget.”

After a few hours of talking with Sadeghi, it’s all still a bit unclear what exactly to expect from Karma Brew. But it looks like it’ll certainly have a unique environment with plenty of personality.

Here’s how it looks at the moment:

(Note: The above photo is by Anthony Sadeghi.)