One Of The Most Incredible Businesses In Minnesota, Afro Deli Is A Twin Cities Treasure With Tasty Food

A delicious restaurant in the Twin Cities is bringing culture and community together — with a bit of spice. Afro Deli & Grill is a treasure of a restaurant, serving up Afro-fusion food that’s fresh, fast, and delicious, all while helping care for the community it calls home. Here’s why you should make plans to dine at Afro Deli in the Twin Cities…

Photo courtesy of Afro Deli

Facebook / Afro Deli

"I went to a lot of restaurants and could not find a decent African restaurant that was inviting to non-Africans in the Twin Cities," he explained. "I saw the opportunity."

Though Kahin had no prior restaurant experience (he studied media production), he has an entrepreneurial and outgoing spirit and so he partnered with some experienced chefs he knew would help make his vision come to life.

"I wanted to bring something unique in the Twin Cities where people from African descent and Minnesotans (of European descent) can come together to enjoy African cuisine."

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Photo courtesy of Afro Deli

"African cuisine is known for very spicy food," he explained. "I had to adjust it for Norwegian and Swedish (tastes)."

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Photo courtesy of Afro Deli

After a slow first year, the restaurant took off, and Kahin opened three more locations, started a catering business, and offered grab-and-go options for gas stations. "We made it work," he said. "But it takes a lot of hard work and you have to work a lot of hours."

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Facebook / Afro Deli

"To make a restaurant successful, you have to have good branding, marketing, and management skills," he said, adding that his employees are integral to Afro Deli's success. He said the city and local celebrities also lended important support along the way. "The community has helped us a lot," he said.

Facebook / Afro Deli

"For me, success is a business that can run itself, a business that can be easy to replicate, with a good system of management," he said. "If you have all the parts together, that’s a successful business. You have to create a company that employees can be proud of. When you have a brand that people are willing to promote, you are successful."

Facebook / Afro Deli

"It’s not for everybody, when you are responsible for so many employees and their families, they depend on you," he said. "So, you are working hard to make sure everybody is able to come to work tomorrow with joy. That’s the responsibility that I enjoy most."

Facebook / Afro Deli

"They are unique and you can’t find them anywhere else," Kahin said. "It’s very easy to eat and accessible to everyone, and it’s all made with fresh and healthy ingredients." In fact, nothing on the menu is made with frozen or processed ingredients.

"We grill our steaks and chicken right there on the spot," he said. "The freshness helps make our food unique."

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Facebook / Afro Deli

While Kahin has accomplished a lot in his two decades in the United States, he’s far from finished and he doesn’t call his business an accomplishment; his enterprise is a work in progress.

"I want to do more," he said. "I'm halfway done."

Afro Deli is eager to make your order – see a menu here and be sure to follow the deli on Facebook and Instagram. Have you ever visited this incredible restaurant? What’s your favorite thing about this place? Share your thoughts and comments below!

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