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10 /diaspora-news.php DIASPORA NEWS

Kenyan Mother and Daughter Running Successful Restaurant in the US

By Martin Olage Sun, 06/04/2023 @ 10:20pm 2204 views 21 comments
Kenyan Mother and Daughter Running Successful Restaurant in the US

Tracy Gitonga

Comment 21
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Caroline Gitonga has achieved her entrepreneurial goals by creating a successful restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. 

In an interview, Caroline revealed that she quit her job at the hospitality firm Double Tree after two decades of employment to establish African Soulfood with the help of her daughter Tracy. The concept originated from various catering businesses Gitonga served. Before launching into the sector, Caroline analysed and found a niche to open a restaurant that served African cuisines. 

"Based on the numerous enquiries I received from Kenyan churches here and other events, I felt the need to open a business. It took us six months to renovate the place and launch it," she stated. 

She disclosed gaining inspiration from cooks who had mastered the techniques of Western Cuisine, which included dishes such as beef brisket, egusi fufu, cassava leaf and grilled lamb. As for East African dishes, her restaurant specializes in pilau, githeri, mukimo, fish and other Kenyan specialities. Caroline emphasized that the key to success in business is to remain resilient and strong-willed even in the face of challenges. He urges Kenyans breaking boundaries in the Diaspora to dedicate enough time and sufficient resources to becoming successful.

"Anything is possible but you need to have the desire. Keep working on it on a daily basis and never stop pushing further and wanting better for yourself and for those around you," she said. 

She encouraged Kenyans abroad and those pursuing the coveted American dream to persevere in bringing their visions to life. The eatery has welcomed noteworthy figures such as Africa's swiftest athlete Ferdinand Omanyala, renowned music group Sauti Sol, and singer David Mathenge alias Nameless.

Comments

Seneca

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 07:03am

  • Reply

The only successful Kenyan eatery in the US is the Swahili franchise. I realize tribalism is propelling this shameless marketing, but I have been to Atlanta. This is nowhere near Ike. Now that place is Ike is authentic African. Celebrate and share the Swahili restaurant. Sio hizi vibanda zinauza chapati zimekauka kama kuni.

Formerlyguest 2

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 10:22am

In reply to The only successful Kenyan… by Seneca

  • Reply

I wonder who invests in it be4 we call things "successful"

Seneca

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 08:55pm

In reply to I wonder who invests in it… by Formerlyguest 2

  • Reply

We invest where there is actual TALENT/GIFT, and true Kenyan presentation...we Kenyans know good food too. Just because one is Kenyan and slaps together ingredients does not mean we invest. Not everyone gets selected on Shark Tank. In Atlanta, find me at IKE's if I want tasty, well presented African food...the nyam chom is eeish! In DC, Baltimore...the Swahili Village of course!

Khaemba

Sun, 06/11/2023 @ 05:40pm

In reply to We invest where there is… by Seneca

  • Reply

Shut your mouth you ugly lunatic with wobbly legs. Shame on you!

Mwororo

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 10:36am

In reply to The only successful Kenyan… by Seneca

  • Reply

What you've done is very unfair. She did not claim to be better than Swahili eatery. Her words of encouragement to others are generous and persuasive. Your derogatory description of her chapati is defamatory to her enterprise and you need to apologize to her and her patrons.

Acenes

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 11:11am

In reply to The only successful Kenyan… by Seneca

  • Reply

Is chapati,pilau,githeri with maize or even fufu from corn really African foods?I read elsewhere a Kenyan in US who himself has for years been eating ugali from GMO corn complaining that Ruto has imported GMO maize.The guy didn’t know maize seed for planting in Kenya is also imported.

Khaemba

Sun, 06/11/2023 @ 05:38pm

In reply to The only successful Kenyan… by Seneca

  • Reply

@seneca - sasa wewe nugu shinda yako ni gani!? Every time a Kikuyu name appears anywhere you quickly jump up with stones and start throwing aimlessly you shit! When did you ever travel from that CNA job in Mersachusetts to Atlanta! Zilch! Kweli nyinyi Jaluo ni Ngombe sana. Wewe mjinga, Wacha ujinga!

Juju

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 07:28am

  • Reply

The name of the restaurant would have been helpful so that we can support her business!

Philly

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 08:41am

In reply to The name of the restaurant… by Juju

  • Reply

The African soulfood. It's in Marrieta, GA not Atl

Juju

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 07:37pm

In reply to The African soulfood. It's… by Philly

  • Reply

Thanks Philly, I believe I have been there on Franklin Road. I will continue to support her business when I travel that way!

mkenya1234

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 11:53am

  • Reply

congrats to both mom and daughter. Running a restaurant is not easy in US. The author of this piece could edit and add the address of the restaurant. Please make it easy for people to find them. ( I know they can google it, but why make folks have to go an extra step instead of just clicking on the address from this page :) )

imkgoogo

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 01:21pm

  • Reply

Passed by the restaurant two weeks ago. The place is friendly, warm and very welcoming.

Menye

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 05:20pm

  • Reply

waTanjiri is your eatery called African Soulfood?I am in Buford for a week.Can you provide the street address please?Google says African Soulfood is in Marietta about 15 miles from Atlanta city.

imkgoogo

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 07:49am

In reply to waTanjiri is your eatery… by Menye

  • Reply

Use Google, African Soulfood is in Marietta. They have enough parking, you can't get that much parking and space in downtown Atlanta.

Settled Nomad

Mon, 06/05/2023 @ 09:46pm

  • Reply

I stopped going to Kenyan eateries because I always feel cheated afterwards. I can make better Ugali and Chapatis at home for a tiny fraction of what they charge. Sorry to say this, but if I want value for money for authentic African food, I go to Ethiopian restaurants.

SimamaImara

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 05:40pm

In reply to I stopped going to Kenyan… by Settled Nomad

  • Reply

Last African restaurant served small portions at a high price. I hate to go back hungry after eating out. Doing great food is a gift, not everyone's thing. Congratulations to the duo.

imkgoogo

Wed, 06/07/2023 @ 10:18am

In reply to I stopped going to Kenyan… by Settled Nomad

  • Reply

I guess you never live home. I guess beer is cheaper at a liquor store than in a bar, only have your drink at home.

SimamaImara

Wed, 06/07/2023 @ 07:12pm

In reply to I guess you never live home… by imkgoogo

  • Reply

If I drank I would brew own beer. Steak is the best thing I want out there. No added ingredients. Popeyes great too

Philly

Tue, 06/06/2023 @ 08:43am

  • Reply

It's in Marietta, not Atl

Guest

Wed, 06/07/2023 @ 01:11am

  • Reply

Raw beef is what you get at Ethiopian restaurants and kaukaad chapati they call injeera including tasteless goat meat nothing african about that food more like over spiced Arabic or Mediterranean food rather nasty .This lady needs to provide the location and name of her restaurant haters and cheap skates will always be there.Even if it is a kibanda let Kenyans taste it for themselves proof is in the pudding.

Jacob

Mon, 06/12/2023 @ 09:29am

  • Reply

Would like to chei it out. Looking forward to good food.

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