First Nigerian restaurant celebrates its soft opening

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Downtown Colorado Springs is about to welcome something new—its first Nigerian restaurant, Ówàmbẹ̀ African Restaurant and Lounge.

The restaurant held its soft opening on Saturday, Oct. 19, bringing together community members and local leaders. Among those in attendance was Yemi Mobolade, the Nigerian-born mayor of Colorado Springs, who helped kick off the celebration alongside representatives from the Colorado Springs Black Chamber.

“This is a really, really great thing for us because for immigrants, opening a kind of establishment in Colorado Springs… [the] first Nigerian restaurant in the whole Colorado is a big joy for us and we’re so glad we can bring this to the community,” said Adejumobi Mobee, Co-owner.

Guests enjoyed a variety of authentic Nigerian and African dishes, including favorites like jollof rice and plantains. The event also offered a chance to learn about Nigerian culture.

“We have African heritage and African-American heritage here in this community, including me,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “And so what these guys are doing truly is just helping to elevate the cultural variety and richness of our community. And that’s what most Colorado Springs residents don’t know, that it’s already here.”

Ówàmbẹ̀ is located at 10 North Sierra Madre Street and will officially open to the public on Thursday, Oct. 24.

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