Executive Chef, Founder and CEO Kevin Onyona and Emad Shoeb, COO
Proprietors of Swahili Village DC | The Consulate DC
Host Grand Opening of Unique Dining Hub for African Activity in the Nation’s Capital
Known as The Consulate, Swahili Village DC has positioned itself as a fine dining African restaurant and social and cultural event space for programming that fosters US-African engagement located in the heart of DC’s power-dining corridor
MEDIA INVITED…. Washington, DC – Executive Chef, Founder and CEO Kevin Onyona and Emad Shoeb, COO, proprietors of Swahili Village proudly announce their official Grand Opening scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 at 5:30 pm. The opening event will host ambassadors from 55 African nations; dignitaries from Africa-related organizations; local, national, and international leaders; and journalists from around the world.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President, National Newspaper Publishers Association and host, The Chavis Chronicles, PBS will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The evening chair, H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Ambassador of the African Union Mission to the USA will be joined by co-hosts H.E. Lazarus Ombai Amayo, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the USA and Dr. Ky Dele, Founder of the Made Man Foundation and Principal, Blueprint Global Consulting Group (BGCG)
In addition to launching Swahili Village, the invitation-only event will also be the first in the Faces of Africa and the Diaspora series, “Celebrating African Leadership and Unity.” Faces of Africa and the Diaspora will feature an ongoing series of diplomatic receptions, fashion shows, cultural exhibits, and culinary events that will showcase all the diaspora has to offer. These events will be presented by Swahili Village in partnership with embassies, diaspora businesses, and community groups.
Swahili Village is the first iconic fine-dining African restaurant strategically located in the heart of DC’s power-dining corridor. Although new to the Washington scene, Swahili Village already has a storied past, launched by Executive Chef, Founder & CEO Kevin Onyona, and later by COO Emad Shoeb who joined forces with Onyona to take the dream to the next level. Kenyan-born businessman Onyona became a U.S. citizen in 2004 while working up the corporate ladder at Home Depot. Lauded as a master chef, the trained pastor left to try his hand in the kitchen preparing Kenyan staples such as ugali and nyama choma and now runs a chain of restaurants with his partner, Shoeb.
The son of an Egyptian diplomat to the U.S., Shoeb made a name in the restaurant industry having built an empire of American chain restaurants in his homeland, including Pizza Hut, Popeyes and Chili’s brands. Relocating back to the U.S. full-time, he started again by franchising TGI Fridays and its parent company, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.
After the two met, the idea for Swahili Village, which was first implemented in Beltsville, Maryland by CEO/Founder Kevin Onyona, became a realty, and the dream of a Washington-based location was officially opened in 2019. Known as The Consulate, Swahili Village DC positions itself as a fine dining African restaurant and social and cultural event space for programming that fosters US-African engagement located in the heart of DC’s power-dining corridor. They are also in the process of opening additional locations in Newark, Manhattan, National Harbor, Tyson’s Corner, and Atlanta.
Although the grand opening of Swahili Village DC was delayed by the pandemic, the restaurant held a “soft opening” in which President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya cut the ceremonial ribbon. On October 26th, 2021 however, The Consulate will realize Onyona and Shoeb’s dream as the Washington center for all things African.
“We thought it was important to take an opportunity to truly celebrate our place here in DC and remind everyone that we have big plans as we move forward in our mission to bring people together through food, culture, art, and polite debate,” said Executive Chef, Founder and CEO Kevin Onyona of Swahili Village
“Our capacity to create an international space to bring about cross-cultural dialogue and build better bridges around Africa and with the rest of the global community can and should match our dreams of peace and stability for all of our brothers and sisters around the world,” added Swahili Village COO Emad Shoeb. “That’s what Swahili Village is about.”
WHAT:Grand Opening of Swahili Village | The Consulate DCFirst series of “Faces of Africa and the Diaspora: Celebrating African Leadership and Unity”
WHO:
Hosts:Proprietors of Swahili Village – Executive Chef, Founder and CEO Kevin Onyona and Emad Shoeb, COO
Master of CeremoniesDr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President, National Newspaper Publishers Association and host, The Chavis Chronicles, PBS
Chair:H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Ambassador of the African Union Mission to the USA
Co-hosts: H.E. Lazarus Ombai Amayo, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the USADr. Ky Dele, Founder of the Made Man Foundation and Principal, Blueprint Global Consulting Group (BGCG)
WHEN:Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE:Swahili Village | The Consulate1990 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036
NOTICE: The in-person event will follow CDC guidelines including an FDA-approved anti-COVID ventilator and air purifier. For the safety and protection of our guests, we will require proof of vaccination. COVID temperature tests performed onsite and guests must also wear protective face covering, which will be provided if necessary.
PRESS CONTACT: Media – particularly those interested in Africa, business, free trade, the global economy, or any related topics – are invited to attend.
For photos, interviews and attendance at the Grand opening, please contact:
Jan Du Plain 202-486-7004 janduplain@gmail.com
