July 16, 2024—Swahili Village is pleased to report that it has reached a no-fault settlement agreement with the District of Columbia. This agreement ensures business continuity and solidifies our ongoing commitment to serving our customers with excellence while ensuring the best interests of our staff and other stakeholders remain paramount.
On August 22, 2023, the District filed a complaint relating to certain labor practices. The period under dispute was during the COVID-19 public health emergency, an unprecedented time that challenged restaurant operational systems globally.
Our DC location, which opened just weeks before the COVID-19 public health emergency faced unprecedented challenges as the city shut down on March 11, 2020. Being a newly opened establishment, Swahili Village did not qualify for any government assistance during the pandemic. Despite these hardships, many of our workers volunteered to help keep the business running, demonstrating their dedication and commitment.
“While in no way admitting wrongdoing, we welcome the end of the matter and confirm we will adhere strictly to the agreement. We insist our workers are allowed to be part of our growth story. Our staff is critical to our success, and their well-being is our priority,” says Kevin Onyana, founder of the Swahili Village authentic chain of restaurants.
During the public health emergency, Swahili Village supported the community by feeding first responders, including firemen, police, EMS, nurses, and doctors. Our commitment to service has always extended beyond our restaurant doors, emphasizing our role in the community. This is an enduring commitment that continues to be part of who we are and how we do business.
Swahili Village began its journey 15 years ago on May 22, 2009, with its first eatery in a trailer in the historic town of Beltsville, Maryland. Since then, we have expanded into a chain of three restaurants, with further growth on the horizon. Our restaurants are dedicated to providing more than just food and drinks. We connect the world to authentic African culinary and cultural experiences.
“We have a proud reputation of excellence, serving visiting political dignitaries, Presidents, tourists, and locals alike. This commitment to excellence continues to set us apart. We could not have achieved this without our staff and their daily dedication to excellence. I thank them for being such a key part of this journey and assure them their well-being is our number one priority,” concludes Onyana.
We look forward to continuing our tradition of exceptional service and embracing the future with optimism and determination.
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