By: Karen Foster
In New York City, where new restaurants appear almost weekly and fade just as fast, true staying power often comes from purpose. For Lule Demmissie, founder of ZaGaya Wine Bar in Windsor Terrace, that purpose is connection. Her newly opened speakeasy seeks to do more than just serve drinks; it aims to tell a story. It’s a space where heritage, artistry, and community come together through the lens of a woman who has spent her life building bridges between people, ideas, and cultures.
Located on 16th Street between Prospect Park West and 10th Avenue, ZaGaya, pronounced zuh-GUY-uh, invites guests to slow down and experience hospitality that feels soulful, not hurried. Demmissie envisioned the space as both refuge and celebration.
“ZaGaya was born to be more than a wine bar; it’s a gathering place where neighbors, friends, and families can slow down, share a table, and feel at home in a space that celebrates both beauty and belonging,” she says.
The result is an intimate, art-filled space that gives off the feeling of a living room rather than a bar. On any given evening, live music, spoken-word performances, or curated playlists help transform ZaGaya into what Demmissie calls a “cultural stage.” The atmosphere hums with creativity and comfort, a reflection of her belief that art and conversation can belong as much to daily life as food or drink.
“At ZaGaya, music, poetry, and art aren’t extras; they are the rhythm of our everyday lives, weaving joy and reflection into each moment we share,” she explains.
ZaGaya’s food and beverage program mirrors that philosophy of inclusion and exploration. The wine list travels across continents, from Nebbiolo, with its rose-and-spice profile, to the crisp mineral clarity of Chablis, to the textured Krasno Orange, a nod to the adventurous. At the center is Saba Tej, Ethiopia’s golden honey wine, honoring one of the world’s most ancient traditions and serving as the foundation for ZaGaya’s signature cocktails.
Among the Tej-based creations are the fragrant Autumn Lavender Tej, the comforting Apple Cider Tej, and the fiery Spicy Lioness, a cocktail that aims to channel East African vibrancy. Guests seeking alcohol-free options will find herbal elixirs like the Rose Water & Cardamom blend, refreshing Mint Fizz, and Zero-Proof Negroni, each crafted with the same attention and intention.
Photos Courtesy: Karoline Hernandez
To accompany them, ZaGaya offers artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates inspired by Demmissie’s Ethiopian culinary roots—designed for sharing and for conversation.
“Our beautiful space, menu, and vibe are deeply personal, a reflection of my Brooklyn and Ethiopian roots, African warmth, and Mediterranean traditions, brought together to create flavors that shaped me and invite others to discover this alchemy,” says Demmissie.
For many, Demmissie’s transition into hospitality might seem unexpected. Born in Ethiopia, she was raised with food as a language of love and connection. Professionally, she carved a distinguished path in finance and technology, holding senior roles at TD Ameritrade and Morgan Stanley, later serving as CEO of eToro US, and currently acting as Global Chief Marketing Officer at ABC Fitness. She also chairs the board of Safeplace International, an NGO that supports displaced LGBTQ+ refugees.
Photos Courtesy: Karoline Hernandez
Her leadership and advocacy have led to recognition in Forbes, Bloomberg, and CNBC, where she’s been celebrated for her ability to create both structure and soul in every space she leads.
With ZaGaya, she merges her executive discipline with her cultural heritage and Brooklyn sensibility, creating a project that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.
“I’m grateful to offer a beautiful space where people can slow down, savor, and connect,” she reflects.
For women founders, Demmissie’s story serves as a reminder that leadership can be both strategic and soulful. ZaGaya stands as proof that spaces shaped by empathy and intention can leave a lasting impact. It’s a bar, yes, but also a movement centered on unity, creativity, and belonging.
“ZaGaya,” she says simply, “was always meant to be more than a wine bar.”
In a city of constant change, Lule Demmissie has built something enduring: a home for shared experiences, where global traditions meet local artistry, and where every guest is invited to belong.
