Today we’d like to introduce you to Prince Asiedu.
Hi Prince, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always loved cooking. I’m from West Africa, Ghana, and back home you are taught to be independent and cooking was one of the things that I learned at a young age. So that is where it all started. I used to watch one of my aunties while she was cooking and ask her questions regarding ingredients and how certain foods were made. It came to a point where I would take what I learned from my aunt and would cook for her and the family. While doing this, I came to find out that I was pretty good at it.
This made it easier for me to start cooking for myself. When I moved to America and lived with my mom, I learned to prepare a lot of Ghanaian dishes from her and my older sister, who are both really great cooks. Fast forward, after college and when I started working I moved out on my own and I was still cooking for self but it was still a hobby.
So for years, I would cook just for myself, family and friends. They would always tell me how good my. food was and that I could potentially be making a living or start a business from it. I took the advice and words of encouragement into consideration, started thinking of different ideas and a plan for myself.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I started to become serious about starting the business. I would record videos and take pictures of my food for social media, and sell food to friends in other states, cook for small gatherings and parties. People would reach out to me randomly about catering and preparing food for them. Opening a restaurant has always been a dream and goal of mine, but doing something different for Ghanaian food sparked my interest in investing in my food truck.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been far from a smooth road, but I believe that is the beauty in everyone’s story. Entrepreneurship is very challenging, especially for Africans living in America. You not only have to worry about taking care of your family back home but also being able to survive life here in America while working a typical 9 to 5 job. There were times when I felt like I did not have the financial support I needed to start my business, but I used the resources I had. I made sure to network with other entrepreneurs and sought mentorship from other African business owners who would give me advice and provide me with resources.
When my wife and I were finally able to purchase our food truck, I later found out that it had so many issues causing me not to be able to operate it for a whole year. However, I continued with catering for events while fixing my truck. All that while being in the midst of a pandemic, newly married with a child on the way. It’s been tough, but the Lord has been faithful and I know that all our hard work will never be in vain.
As you know, we’re big fans of Quabena’s Kitchen. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Quabena’s Kitchen currently provides catering services with continental dishes but specifically focuses on authentic Ghanaian foods. Our business offers services for small and large events including, birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, etc.
The business plans to transition strictly to the food truck once the final preparation of the location is complete. Quabena’s Kitchen is the first Ghanaian food truck in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Our business offers quality food that will never leave you disappointed. Our motto is “Quality food and great service.”
What sets us apart from other Ghanaian restaurants is that our food makes you feel like you are back home in Ghana because it has that authentic quality taste. We are known for our Ghanaian Jollof and Waakye which are our two best sellers. Jollof is a popular dish that originated in the country of Senegal. This African dish is a tomato-based sauce cooked with white rice with spices, vegetables, and assorted meats such as goat, turkey, beef, or fish.
Waakye is a Ghanaian dish that consists of cooked rice and beans (black-eyed peas) preferably cooked together with sorghum leaves and a little bit of baking soda which gives it the authentic flavor and red wine (ish) color. This comes with a (waakye stew) tomato-based stew with assorted meats (goat, beef, tripe, and fish. Top it off with spaghetti, garri, and salad.
Readers can follow our food page on Instagram to receive information about our services, the location of the food truck, or to place an order @quabenaskitchen.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, the Lord deserves all the credit. Without Him, none of this would be possible. My wife (Mariama) is my biggest supporter and greatest cheerleader and teammate. Without her, I honestly do not know where I would be with this business. My family has played a major role and has been extremely supportive of my dreams and aspirations from the beginning. My friends have had my back in so many ways and have been super supportive as well. Traveling for events, buying food, and sewing financial seeds into my business. They are honestly too many to name, but they know who they are. My mentor, Olayinka Oboh who is the owner of Fufu Catering & Grill has been our advocate and has taught me so much. My clients, especially the ones who have been with us from the start. Always consistent with orders, referring our business to other clients, and being supportive with posting and sharing our brand on their social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Email: quabenaskitchen@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quabenas_kitchen/
Image Credits
All pictures were captured by Nigel Frimpong.
