Gold Coast Ghal's Popup to Brick & Mortar Journey

Hello! My name is Tina Fahnbulleh, and I am opening Seattle's first-ever Ghanaian & Liberian restaurant. I am excited to take on this task and feel mentally prepared for the challenge ahead. I have been talking about opening a restaurant since I was a girl, and I'm finally ready at 30! I am finally here. It's taken time and courage to follow my heart and passion, but I feel if I don't strike now, I'll never do this. And we all know what happens to a dream deferred…

I started Gold Coast Ghal's Kitchen in 2018, a few years after my move to Seattle, catering to the needs of those of us who couldn't and or didn't have easy access to West African food in Seattle. I started in the popup scene, then catering and packaged foods. Many opportunities have followed. It has been a rewarding and successful journey, and I am scaling to a brick-and-mortar to allow room (literally) to bring all of my vision to life.

I have secured a space in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood, outlined a full-scale renovation, planned a most delectable menu, selected from among the best local vendors and trusted suppliers for imported goods and foods, and ordered art and decor to fit both my culinary and interior design visions.

Between eating at and enjoying many dining establishments in Seattle, I always felt something was missing. West African foods! I have dedicated the past five years to perfecting my recipes and working alongside some of the most outstanding chefs- turned mentors-and patrons that have helped me stay in love with food and create that perfect bite for you to enjoy. What was missing in nearly all of these great restaurants is the culture and flavor of West Africa and the ethnic diversity represented by the diaspora, a unique mélange of Ghana, Liberia, and other West African cultures. Enter KWI.

What is my vision?

Longing for that special taste of "home." I've embarked on a project to share what I love about my Ghanaian and Liberian roots with others. From culinary delights, bold color and style, dancing and rhythmic Afrobeats music, KWI is a euphoric dining experience that harkens to all that is delightful about "home." Derived from Koloqua, KWI, meaning foreigner or westerner, will be the embodiment of the flavors, cultures, and musical styles of West Africa. It is a full-service, casual West African fusion restaurant, inviting patrons to experience a slice of life on the continent. I want a more sophisticated interior than other West African restaurants have typically done. The refreshing and relaxing interior is one of our favorite parts, and I can't wait to share it with you. I want patrons to:

I want to change the face of West African dining.

So, What’s on the Menu?

The menu features traditional African and African-inspired dishes. To start, I am serving your favorite from Gold Coast Ghal: suya! Including fried yam, plantain, specialty dishes, groundnut soup and omutuo, waakye and all the fixings, Fante Fante and kenkey, dry rice and fried fish, cassava leaves, potato greens, egusi, fried cabbage, and most importantly, the meat pies! In addition, experimental items such as the delicious suya tacos and our take on shrimp and grits will appear on happy hour and brunch menus.

With a gratifying bar and seating for 40, you will find our signature cocktail, the palm wine punch, gin (akpeteshie) crafted cocktails, and an exquisite selection of wines, beers, and spirits.

Why the rush?

In true African style, I need money now. I need money to build out the space, pay contractors, order equipment, small wares, and other expenses. I have construction expenses to pay and cover staff training, payroll, local suppliers, and commissary costs to train staff before opening day so I can better serve you. I need your help to ensure a successful opening. Mepaa kyɛw. Abegging you...

Risks and challenges

As with any new restaurant, there are always risks and challenges. So I have taken the time to establish a great lineup of business advisors and passionate industry professionals who will be there every step to help guide me in the right direction. I am confident that with the community behind me, I can reach my goal to open and serve all of you in KWI within a year.

Why you can and should bet on me

You know how serious I am about food and representing my culture, ethnicity and nationalities well. I've always known that I wanted to cook foods I grew up on, and while I could've gone to culinary school to hone my technique, I went the business route instead to learn and understand how to run a business. I have been running my business successfully for the past five years. I have an accounting and business operations background and understand the cost of doing business well. While I lead with empathy and compassion, I know it's all about the numbers at the end of the day, and I have a firm grasp of that. I always have a great time creating in the kitchens, so you can expect to be taken on a culinary festival that will delight your senses. So let's truly diversify the Seattle food scene.

I love a challenge, and this has been quite a ride. Thank you for your attention and support throughout the years, and I can't wait to share KWI with the world!

Check out the website and IG to see what we're up to.

Boa me na me mmoa wo.

Medaase,

Tina