Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramson Ayuba.
Hi Ramson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
We began this journey in Ghana. I married Amina and immigrated to the US with my little daughter Firdaus. We started a new life in a beautiful country with many opportunities. My 1st order of business was to start putting my plans forward, so we created a 501c3. Encouraged by our nonprofit board members, we began Kandilige Spicy Food to fund future cultural programs in Knoxville, introducing food, music, and eventual travel to my home country, Ghana. I started testing my food on friends, family, and co-workers and was surprised that our Jollof rice was a hit! I began trying other dishes, and my family was amazed. My humble beginnings started in Ghana at a restaurant I managed for over 18 years. I stepped out on faith as a business owner in America, became a commercial kitchen member, and began my business popping up at breweries across the city. Our first opportunity was with our friend Aaron, owner/operator of Crafty Bastard Brewery; it was a game changer. It has truly been a roller coaster ride of emotions. We are now preparing to enter into a phase where we move into a permanent home. Kerns Food Hall in South Knoxville has opened doors we never knew existed. A small black-owned business among giants in the industry is not a small thing. We accepted the challenge and the highs and lows of business. We are still moving forward. Our progress may take time, but we are in it for the long haul. Legacies are not created in a day, and we believe in longevity.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We were recently robbed and lost everything; in the same week, our commercial kitchen advised that we could no longer use their facilities. We might add that we have never received any violations from Knoxville’s city/county health departments or customers. We blame no one. It was just a terrible week, and most items were from my Dad, who passed away in Ghana in 2010.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kandilige Spicy Food?
We open at Kerns Food Hall South Knoxville in the Spring of 2024! We are an African restaurant offering Ghanaian Cuisine recipes from Ghana, West Africa. Fresh and healthy, hot & spicy (upon request) cuisine, all handmade and prepared on-site. It can be considered slow food in a fast-food environment.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Smile, hug, and be happy; dance everywhere you go. All places at once and feed as many people as you can. That’s the way to their hearts. It can convert the most complex hearts to soft ones. Hold nothing in your heart against anyone. It’s easier that way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kandiligespicyfood
Image Credits
Amina Ayuba
