Do Not Feed Alligators

Do Not Feed Alligators is more than just a café—it’s a creative hub nestled at 337 Bleecker Street in New York City. Its unique identity is entirely set in TWK Lausanne 400, a typeface designed by Nizar Kazan and published by WELTKERN®. This choice isn’t coincidental; the café’s founder, David Shama, a Swiss photographer originally from Lausanne, has a deep attachement for the typeface, calling it his go-to for virtually everything.

In a delightful twist of serendipity, Nizar Kazan (founder and one half of our foundry) stumbled upon the café while strolling through New York. Intrigued by the familiar type on the café’s signage, he stepped inside for a coffee. What followed was an unexpected exchange in French between two Lausanne natives, as David enthusiastically shared his love for TWK Lausanne. The meeting turned into a moment of connection, where their shared origins and creative journeys intertwined. Nizar snapped several photos during his visit, which are now part of the visual documentation of the space.

The café extends its love for TWK Lausanne across every touchpoint, from merchandise like coffee bean bags to branding throughout the space. The interior also features a charming library corner filled with curated books on photography, architecture, and design—reflecting David Shama’s passions.

One standout detail? The café’s signature leckerli crocodiles – a playful nod to the Swiss heritage shared by the DNFA Coffee founder and the font designer. These crocodile-shaped treats, crafted in collaboration with a specialty Swiss bakery based in the U.S., blend tradition with originality, much like the café itself.

For Nizar Kazan, this encounter was a reminder of the joy of seeing his work integrated into real-world spaces. For David Shama, it was an opportunity to celebrate the essence of Lausanne in the heart of New York City!