Caroline and Tracy Gitonga were recently highlighted on the Daring Abroad show hosted by Alex Chamwada, recognized as highly successful businesswomen hailing from Kenya. They own a renowned multimillion-dollar restaurant in the United States.
Two years ago, in 2021, Caroline and Tracy embarked on their shared dream of establishing a restaurant in the USA. Drawing on Caroline’s extensive experience in the hotel industry, having worked in various establishments across the USA, they identified a gap in the market for African dishes, particularly East and West African cuisines.
This realization prompted them to open their restaurant, African Soulfood, which specializes in a variety of African dishes. The menu features popular Kenyan favorites like Mokimo, fish, chapati, Mandazi, Samosa, and more.
African Soulfood has quickly gained popularity in the USA, attracting a large number of customers daily and generating millions in profits. Notably, the restaurant has become a preferred dining destination for Kenyan celebrities visiting the USA, hosting prominent figures such as Nameless, Omanyala, Sautisol, Otile Brown, and others.
The Gitongas have played a significant role in promoting their brand, particularly in Atlanta, Georgia, where Africans, especially from the Kenyan community, appreciate and endorse their food. With a dedicated team, they have created a well-organized business and are optimistic about expanding with branches across the USA.
Despite their success, the Gitongas face a challenge in maintaining a consistent workforce. The majority of their employees are students, leading to frequent changes in staffing that can hinder smooth operations at times. Overcoming this hurdle is a priority for the dynamic duo as they continue to make strides in the culinary world.