Afro Deli Owner to Open Upscale Restaurant

Abdirahman Kahin's new venture is backed by his recently formed parent company, Martisoor Hospitality Group. "Martisoor" translates to "a great hospitality" in Somali, signaling a broader ambition beyond the fast-casual model of Afro Deli to include full-service restaurants, event spaces, and global hospitality projects. This move represents a significant step towards building a multi-faceted hospitality enterprise rooted in Afro-Mediterranean culture. The name "Martiya" is of Persian origin, meaning "warrior." In traditional Somali society, the warrior is a revered figure, embodying not just strength and bravery but also leadership and the protection of the community. This choice of name suggests an aim to champion and defend the cultural richness of East African cuisine on a new, more refined stage. The restaurant's "Somali-fusion" concept will likely elevate traditional staples. Dishes common in Somali cuisine include flavorful meats like goat or chicken suqaar (diced and sautéed), seasoned rice dishes like Bariss Isku Karis, and flatbreads such as sabaayad. An upscale approach could involve modern plating, fusion with Mediterranean influences, and the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Martiya is strategically located at the corner of Lake and Nicollet, a vital intersection within a designated East Lake Street Cultural District. This area is a hub for Minneapolis's large Somali and East African diaspora, home to community organizations and the largest Somali shopping center in North America, making the restaurant a significant cultural and culinary anchor. The site itself is being redeveloped after a previous building was burned down during the George Floyd protests. This shift from a popular, accessible deli to a "white-tablecloth" establishment marks a pivotal moment for East African cuisine in the city. While Minneapolis has a wealth of immigrant-owned restaurants, Martiya aims to carve out a niche in the fine-dining sector, a space where elevated expressions of immigrant cuisines are an emerging and celebrated trend. Kahin, who immigrated from Somalia in 1996, has a proven track record of making African food mainstream. His success with Afro Deli, which grew from a single shop in 2010 to four locations, earned him the 2023 National Small Business Person of the Year award, an honor presented at the White House. This new restaurant is a bold next step in his vision to create the first national African restaurant chain in the United States.