Kevin Onyona, a Kenyan entrepreneur based in the US has revealed plans to set up 50 restaurants across the US.
Speaking recently on Alex Chamwada’s Daring Abroad show, Onyona said the ambitious plan of expanding his business is still on course despite setbacks occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurateur currently operates two restaurants in Maryland and Washington, DC.
Onyona is the owner of Swahili Village, a restaurant that specializes in Kenyan and African cuisine. The restaurant began in College Park, Maryland in 2009 before moving to Beltsville in 2016.
Last year, Onyona opened his second restaurant dubbed The Consulate, which is located at 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC.
President Kenyatta launched The Consulate during his visit to the US in February 2020, lauding Onyona for his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
The businessman is currently setting up a new restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. Everything has been approved by relevant authorities. The new restaurant is directly opposite the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and is one of the 50 Onyona is establishing in major US cities.
“It means we are really beginning to break ground in terms of how we approach our locations. We are not on the backstreet anymore. We are on the main street of the top cities of America,” says Onyona.
Onyona hopes to set up new units in Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Virginia by the end of the year. Once complete, the 50 eateries are expected to employ at least 3,000 people.
“What we did well was that we were able to work our financials in a way that we are attractive to banks. For the most part, it has just come out of you borrow, you pay back, you borrow you pay back you grow. It’s just simple economics because I don’t have anybody I can say you know write a check for me,” adds Onyona.
He says 65 percent of his customers are from West Africa, Americans (15%), and Kenyans (5%).
Bambe…so Kenyans are not…
Bambe…so Kenyans are not even going to support their own…Chei! Wivu tu.
Kenyans don’t know what…
Kenyans don’t know what keeping money in the black means. All they know is keeping it in the tribe. Mungu awasaidie. West Africa are more authentic Africans.
Kenyans may be cooking as…
Kenyans may be cooking as good food as he is in their homes. Since most American’s eat out throughout – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – then one expects they are a higher %.
Your Sick mentality really…
Your Sick mentality really sucks big times @builder! Generating money is for every one in the global economy! It is more of a world call involvement than just your little tribe back in your Bush backyard.
It does not matter if the players (investors) are black, white, yellow or whatever have you! You can keep your little black money wherever you wish to but don’t generally insult Kenyans while comparing them with west Africans. Why don’t you relocate to some country in west africa?
You seem very crude, shortsighted, myopic in your retarded thinking, remote and without much experience with the other African countries so you can appreciate what Kenya has to offer. Those in west africa are flocking to kenya in huge numbers because Kenya has a lot to offer! Kenya is doing just fine but we can always do better.
The idea of 50 restaurants is a great idea! Personally I make all my meals at home, and yes, I said I bake all my meals at home and sees no need to go out to eat other folks cooking in restaurants! I’m my best cook and likes to know how all my meals are prepared for me to stay healthy!
But if the guy is open for partnership investing, I would be more than happy to participate in any money making venture just like I have done with my other businesses across the world!
Stop insulting Kenyans because your ignornance have closed your eyes, literally!
When he charges a plate of…
When he charges a plate of ugali and nyama $40,one sausage $5 a. I will go and eat my fillet mignon elsewhere in a fine dining establishment not this kiosk – I can cook my own nyama and ugali better than he even does. I wish him luck with his 50 franchises. And it is not wivu, I prefer to spend my money experiencing other cuisines just like those Nigerians are doing !
Seneca, I thought you knew…
Seneca, I thought you knew that Kenyans are their worst enemies.
Kenyans won’t support a fellow Kenyan.
I have several businesses, and I don’t even deal with my own Kenyan brothers and sisters.
Trust me on this.
Once Kenyans know that you have a business, they will treat you like you have leprosy, Corona or Aids.
Seneca, I thought you knew…
Seneca, I thought you knew that Kenyans are their worst enemies.
Kenyans won’t support a fellow Kenyan.
I have several businesses, and I don’t even deal with my own Kenyan brothers and sisters.
Trust me on this.
Once Kenyans know that you have a business, they will treat you like you have leprosy, Corona or Aids.
U very right and nailed it…
U very right and nailed it. Kenyans won’t support each other. I own a liquor store and I guarantee u my customers are not Kenyans. Kenyans came to visit and “see” and I never saw them again although they went to talk about it how a poor choice of business am in, But remember Kenyans are good at drinking. U be the judge.
Agree with you.
We are our…
Agree with you.
We are our worst enemies.
How come the dead is…
How come the dead is commenting about the food on earth? Is he thinking about Saitoti and food poisoning? Weird!
Well spoken Kenyans have…
Well spoken Kenyans have alot of untold jealousy they don’t support one of their own so when you think of business get away from Kenyans go other outgoing communities. Kenyans have been taught selfish habits by the churches they go to. A big shame these men of cloth don’t see eye to eye
What if they are broke and…
What if they are broke and broken? Or maybe they are happy making Gītheri at home. Does he sell the precious delicacy by the way?
I don’t know Seneca. I don’t…
I don’t know Seneca. I don’t live in the DMV any more so I’m not likely to make a special trip. I wish him luck but if you check out his menu prices, a meal for 2 with appetizer, main course, a drink and dessert and tip will be scraping $80 before taxes. The son of Mūmbi in me starts questioning such expenditures if they happen weekly
https://beltsville.swahilivillages.com/menu/
There is no meal worth $80…
There is no meal worth $80 plus taxes on this planet! Come to my kitchen and I will make you something nice for free!
Sio wivu,am one of those…
Sio wivu,am one of those guys who don’t believe in wasting money to eat out. I eat home food and that’s me.
Make a good example and the…
Make a good example and the rest will follow! Do not decide for all Kenyans. Btw, no Kenyan is obligated to go eat there! A restaurant business own should serve foods edible to all Americans and not just one group of people! One time I ate in such a joint and ended up in the hospital for food poisoning and stomach flu which cost me bigly besides my medical insurance paying 80% of the cost! Be careful what you eat out there!
Good job.Keep it up…
Good job.Keep it up. Blessings
Maybe, there are a few…
Maybe, there are a few Kenyans in the neighborhood? I have been to the MD one and it’s good. Food, especially Samosas were delicious.
Do MD samosas still cost $2…
Do MD samosas still cost $2.00 still. I haven’t been to that joint since the passing of the famous choma guy. May he rest in peace. His chime was worth driving 30 miles.
I’m a regular customer of…
I’m a regular customer of Swahili no where else you’ll find that authentic dish from Eastern Coast of Africa.
No shortchange on mbuzi choma
I introduced my Mexican friends they love it.
Keep it up.
I’m a Swahili junkie..and proud it.
How does he know the…
How does he know the nationalities of whoever is visiting his restaurants? How is he keeping tabs? I have never filled up any questionnaire when I eat in MD or DC, does he even know I was born in Kenya? Well I am American now so I guess I am one of the 15% and all you west africans are just temporary visitors the USA who don’t domicile here. Bwana Onyona how did you get your stats man? Don’t disparage Kenyans, whenever I visit your place it is packed with Kenyans or Tanzanians going by the kiswahili and politics abound, their dollars matters, GIVE THEM CREDIT!! Otherwise utafunga!
Well stated, good questions …
Well stated, good questions @Kupe lol! Onyona can just look at you and tell you are Kenyan, he has mjaic powers remember he’s from Kisii hahahaaaaaa….teheheheeeeee
*Majic
*Majic
I visited the MD location…
I visited the MD location,and I liked the food very much,though I thought the price was alittle at the higher end for what I was getting…
From my experience at visiting” exotic” eatery places,run by africans, I have found out that the business sustainability is derived from not curious visitors,but people who were bought up eating what is on the menu.
When,I move to Florida, there were about 4Ethiopian Restaurants,In Tampa,but now,I believe their is only one.The target was Ethiopians.But as Ethiopians moved away from Tampa to Other places like DC,their customer base dwindled.
So, I somewhat agree with @ Kupe when he says that,” the place is packed with Kenyans or Tanzanians going by the Kiswahili and politics…”
There is something about so called african food that has not caught on in USA.And I think its because of their target groups,meaning the food is mostly familiar with africans,in this case Kenyans.Or to be generous east africans.
I have seen Nigerian Restaurants not do well,despite their large population in Tampa,Florida.Having said this, I hope that this Kenya Restauranteur makes abreak through,like the chinese did.
Keep the dream alive.My two cents.
You got some points. You…
You got some points. You dont see Chinese eating in a Chinese buffet because they eat same food at home. But Africa and low class pack sweet n sour line. Western culture is a no cook culture so they will be out eating everyday.
It sure must be good food…
It sure must be good food for you @maxiley to travel all the way from Florida to eat in MD! When did you travel in the midst of Corona epidemic? Or are you just bridging here?
That was Sep 2019 jsut…
That was Sep 2019 jsut before covid 19
He is Africa that is all…
He is Africa that is all that matters mambo ya ukabila uache jamhuri haikusaidii na chochote hapa diaspora
Swahili village is great and…
Swahili village is great and all but their prices are ridiculous. I’ve been to this establishment a number of times and it has great ambiance but that’s about it. I’ve gone there to support our Kenyan brother but the food is not worth the price nor is it that good. This is why most Kenyan don’t support him because they know pricing and food quality don’t align. I understand operating a restaurant is expensive and it takes a lot to make a profit but price your food accordingly. $6 for one skinny chapo…..are you kidding me? Go to Kamau wa nyama instead and mathe will hook it for you.
The most annoying thing about this establishment is forced tip on meals over $100 or party of 5 or more. Meals are expensive as it is, tips are optional and given based on service provided. Service there is mediocre at best.
You nailed it ! I stated…
You nailed it ! I stated that yesterday, the price and quality do not align and I refuse to part with my hard earned dollars for mediocre just to support a business, Kenyan or not! Yeah the forced tip is such a put off. Again I wish him luck with his ambitions but we all smell angel investors from Naija Land!
Wow! Kienyeji Chanukula tu…
Wow! Kienyeji Chanukula tu. Been there too but the service provided did not match the cost of the food. It took so long to be served. While I want to support our black entrepreneurs, I do expect a high class quality service and some appetizing food. I’m not a very good cook but, I think I can cook fur much better that what they have on the menu at a far much cheaper cost. I would advise the owner to perfect his everything in this one restaurant then think about expanding across America!
Kenyans (na Wivu au Chuki…
Kenyans (na Wivu au Chuki zao) are their own Poison. So thank God Swahili Village and Consulate’s customers are from All Walks of Life; not just Poisonous Kenyans.
@BBibbi,You are missing the…
@BBibbi,You are missing the point! No one is wivu on our brother’s success. Just telling him the truth to help him bring back ALL customer’s by improving on his service. That’s all owners of business want to hear. Its called POSITIVE CRITIQUE, son!!!
At least there won’t be…
At least there won’t be anything like Medicaid FRAUD in this Business.
But Fire insurance fraud is…
But Fire insurance fraud is probable
And why is it called “fine…
And why is it called “fine dining”?
KK, Kamau wa Nyama is dead…
KK, Kamau wa Nyama is dead. How do you go to him??
There is another guy who…
There is another guy who does the cooking though he is kind of 75% of kamau’s quality
There is another kamau…
There is another kamau replacement guy.He is okay like 75% kamau at best hopefully he has improved. The last time I visited that place was 2019 and samosa and sausage was 2 dollars each.
Good luck on the 50. With…
Good luck on the 50. With COVID hope he can even hang on to that 1 in DC.
Most locals have already voiced the obvious: hi cost, quality, variety. Let the business ppl pay attention.Its not that Kenyans dislike their fellow, but most think for their wallet/stomach interest first.Its not like Onyona will offer you free food if you go broke after dining there 30 times. DMV is a very transitive place, so these things have their cycles too. Before Swahili village was born, there was Zanzibar and Kenyan owned safari (man, my mouth waters everytime I think of mama Alice’s food) These were joints, you walk in after a long day or week and let loose, dont give a damn about looking good and eat yourself silly without your pocket complaining, while non-stop lingala played. Many TZ and even wazungus were drawn to that curiously and even the local pastors who would deride the nightclubs would eat from Safari on Sundays! Then gentrification came and it was just a matter of time. But that and Serengeti were a perfect fit for multigenerations. I’d get a kick of taking ppl from msituni PA,DE or OH to Kamaus for nyama choma and theyd be shocked to find the strong demand and not want to leave.
If you position your biz right, you will have non-stop kenyans streaming. Wachana na hii maneno of this or that wivu and focus on biashara.
@ Expatriate, thanks for…
@ Expatriate, thanks for taking me on a memory lane. I remember Alice,and her husband, William very well.Yes the food was great,so was the lingala,and the zilizopendwa blasts from the past. Ambiance was excellent for meeting,reminiscing ,and Iguess catching up with gossip.
Like I said earlier, I was at the Swahili Village in MD,and also visited Alice’s place not far from there.If I recall,the business is a corporation of non africans,thus the name is not african in nature.I dont remember it.
Anyway,like you said, some of this businesses are cyclical,or victims of changing business environment.And most of those who survive are the ones that listen to their customers and change accordingly.It pays to keep your customer base happy.After all they keep you or sink you.
I think William was actually…
I think William was actually the chef at Safari. Dude could throw down in the kitchen
Good food..feels like home…
Good food..feels like home talking to other kenyans and drinking tusker…good job Mr Swahili vilage
Congrats Mr Onyona. If I…
Congrats Mr Onyona. If I vividly remember, the restaurant opened up small in around 2000 0r 2001. It was a combination of restaurant and discotheque or something like that. Unless my memories are dwindling due to young age, sorry old age. We dont know the place then, but a friend from Silver Spring invited us there. It was packed to the brim by Africans from Nigerian, Ghana, Ethipia, Kenya etc. For the first time, I kinda felt at half home, eating ugali and nyam chom and pushing it down my throat with condemned “water.” As its genetically proven, Kenyans wherever you go, including in Jamhuri, are envious especially if they find that you started up something that did well fast. So Mr Onyona, thats why only a few Kenyans visit your joint. In Jamhuri, you open a hardware, a shop, a kiosk, a spare parts store, anything…and then nunua baiskeli or gari, utafunguliwa tatu on the right, and four on the left. And they will go and steal items from long haul truck drivers bound for Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi, so that they can sell lower prices to run you out of business. Kikuyus and Luos are notorious for these. Ninety eight percent of Kenyans being what they do best, thieving and stealing, fraud, trickers and conmanship, they feel pain when Onyonas sambusas goes for 2 dollars. And dont hire Kenyans, any Kenyan, they will play with money numbers and mysteries will start developing and even forensic tracking will not help. Keep on keep it on Sir, Americans will love your ‘white’ cake with nyama choma. Just dont sell them mutura and intestines. They will run away. And also make sure that all you sell is fresh and pure. Americans have very sensitive guts, and they easily sue you.
this is great
this is great
Folks – please stay away…
Folks – please stay away from fried foods to avoid cholesterol build up in your arteries which could cause blockages and eventual heart attack.
You got to think about your total health when consuming fried food! Your arteries will be clogged in a heart beat!
There are better ways of making foods than deep flying everything with greasy canoes Mafuta to make it taste yami. Deep fried foods are like eating too much nyama choma with alcohol which causes some hanging belly ( grout) with all kinds of illnesses.
Good chefs provide healthy menus in this world! It is the way the Heath world is going. A restaurant should have a lean menu with nearly fat free servings. It is doable!
Be warned of eating fatty foods in support of a business venture simply because the dude is your neighbor back in the village!
But of course I will get all kinds of dirty messages for speaking the truth! It is your health; it is your life; make your food choices wisely!
Kenyans are poor customers…
Kenyans are poor customers to one of their own .Don’t aim to please them