Liberian native Sammed Okynea opened Kings and Queens, a Pan-African takeout restaurant in Upper Darby, in 2013, reports blackchronicle.com.

Okynea migrated to the United States in 1997.  While a student at Penn State Brandywine, he hosted a series of neighborhood events using food to bring people together.

After graduating, he used his savings to open the restaurant, introducing his African cuisine and culture to Southwest Philadelphia.

The restaurant has received national attention through its word of mouth popularity and celebrity appearances.

In 2018, he renamed the restaurant Kings and Queens Liberian Cuisine to bring attention to the home-cooked meals he grew up with.

His restaurant has capitalized on a food craze highlighting cuisine from around the world.

“My culture is important to me, and I believe that one way for me to leave an impact on not only my heritage but people is through Kings and Queens,” he said.

He bases his menu on feedback from customers and on his willingness to try new dishes.

Okynea said he offers new culinary creations as a special menu item to see how it is received before adding it to his regular menu.

Read more about this restauranteur here.

[uam_ad id=”62465″]