This Kenyan chef is redefining culinary tourism in the U.S
The urge to make it in the land of the free and home of the brave is written all over Kevin Onyona. Starting off with the dream to own an African cuisine restaurant is something he longed for and has now come to life in America’s Capital, Washington D.C. CNBC Africa spoke to the entrepreneur of Swahili Village Restaurant about his forays abroad and why culinary tourism is becoming a new investments frontier.
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 10:16:39 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Authentic African cuisine is gaining traction in the U.S. culinary market, with entrepreneurs like Kevin Onyona leading the way with Swahili Village in Washington D.C.
- Culinary tourism is a growing trend, with the potential to turn diners into travelers and promote destinations like Kenya through unique dining experiences.
- Expansion plans for Swahili Village include catering services, delivery options, and potential franchises in international markets, reflecting the global appeal of African flavors.
Kenyan entrepreneur, Kevin Onyona, is making waves in the culinary industry in the United States with his successful African cuisine restaurant, Swahili Village. With a dream to bring authentic African flavors to America, Kevin has not only achieved success in Washington D.C. but is now eyeing further expansion. Having been in the business for almost 15 years, Kevin has faced challenges but believes that the time for African cuisine to shine in the culinary space has finally arrived. The emergence of Swahili Village has opened the doors for other African restaurants to flourish in the U.S. market. Kevin's vision goes beyond just serving food; he aims to turn diners into travelers, highlighting the potential of culinary tourism. By offering an authentic experience and leveraging his customer base of 60,000 people per month, Kevin sees the opportunity to promote tourism to Kenya and other African destinations. One of the key aspects of Swahili Village's success is the diverse customer base it attracts. While African Americans find comfort in the familiar tastes, white Americans are increasingly drawn to exploring new flavors. Kevin sees this growing market as a significant opportunity for the future. The authenticity of the food served at Swahili Village is paramount, as Kevin emphasizes the importance of real flavors and a genuine experience. The restaurant's success with the African American demographic highlights the potential to capture a broader audience looking for cultural immersion and history. In terms of pricing, Kevin believes that customers are willing to pay for an authentic dining experience that includes not just food but music, ambiance, and service. Looking ahead, Kevin is exploring new avenues for growth, including catering services, delivery options, and the potential for food trucks run by the African diaspora. The impact of COVID-19 has taught Kevin the importance of diversifying revenue streams, leading to innovative ideas for the business's future. Expansion plans beyond Washington D.C. include potential franchises in cities like Dubai, London, Canada, Nairobi, and South Africa, demonstrating the global appeal of African cuisine and the bright prospects for Swahili Village's continued success.
