Friday, November 09, 2007
By Kristina Riggle
Grand Rapids -- When Sam and Sharon Terfa decided to open an Ethiopian restaurant in Grand Rapids, they knew just which neighborhood they wanted: Eastown.
"We think people in this area are really used to different types of foods," Sharon said. Added Sam: "Really, Grand Rapids, this is like a cultural mecca."
The Grand Rapids residents found a cozy space in the East Building, which houses Wolfgang's. GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine and Deli is three doors down at 421 Norwood Ave. SE.
The docor -- barrel tables and thatch trim along with the exposed brick and ceiling beams -- is meant to bring to mind a hut, which is what "go jo" means in Sam Terfa's native land. The restaurant opened this month, with a menu of traditional Ethiopian food, plus a few choices slightly adapted to American tastes.
GoJo should fit in well with the mix of ethnic and American restaurants that dot the neighborhood, said Gera Witte, president of the Eastown Business Association.
Terfa came to the restaurant business by bucking tradition of his homeland, where men never cook. In 1974, he was 24 years old and had just arrived in the U.S. to study at Hope College in Holland. He studied mathematics and cooked traditional Ethiopian food for his host family. "They developed really a good taste and love for the food," he said.
Over the years, Sam cooked for family gatherings and friends, and events on occasion. "We've enjoyed the food for all these years," Sharon Terfa said. "It was just too much to keep for our family. We thought we'd better share."
Sam, who had been working as a mathematics tutor, and Sharon, a retail manager, decided to open their restaurant. Their hope is to serve Ethiopian food in a way that's comfortable for everyone. For example, it's traditional to eat Ethiopian food with one's fingers and a spongy flatbread, injerra. But GoJo will provide silverware. Dishes also can be ordered with rice or noodles instead of injerra.
The restaurant seats 36 people in 1,260 square feet. The Terfas will start with a couple of part-time employees and expand as necessary.
GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine and Deli is not connected with another restaurant that formerly operated on Monroe Mall. The name is just a coincidence, Sam Terfa said.
