New Ethiopian Restaurant Opens in Minneapolis

A new Ethiopian restaurant recently opened near the University of Minnesota’s West Bank campus. Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant opened June 18 in the former Baldy’s BBQ building between Hard Times Café and Associated Bank on Riverside Avenue.

The owner, Beko Tufa, said she has spent the last nine years saving money in hopes of opening a business, and was only able to do so with the help of family and friends.

Jamie Schumacher, the executive director of the West Bank Business Association, said the organization is supportive of her business though Tufa is not yet a member

“Having a family-owned business where there used to be a vacant space is a positive thing,” Schumacher said.

Tufa spends a lot of time in the kitchen as the head cook at Dilla’s, but said she has trained a few others to help her.

Beko Tufa’s new business was nine years in amaking.

The restaurant is open daily and offers an extensive menu, including vegetarian options and an Ethiopian coffee served using a traditional cultural ceremony.

Tufa said she is in the process of obtaining a liquor license from the city. She said having a beer and wine selection will draw customers who like to have a drink with their meal.

Her daughter, Ayantu Tefera, is co-owner and helps out at the restaurant when available, but is currently studying to obtain her GED diploma and spends five days a week at school.

If her restaurant does well, Tufa said she would be able to hire more help in the future.

Read Tuesday’s issue of the Daily to learn more about Tufa’s journey to opening a restaurant.

New Ethiopian restaurant opens in Minneapolis

Beko Tufa’s new business was nine years in the making.

A new Ethiopian restaurant recently opened near the University of Minnesota’s West Bank campus. Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant opened June 18 in the former Baldy’s BBQ building between Hard Times Café and Associated Bank on Riverside Avenue.

The owner, Beko Tufa, said she has spent the last nine years saving money in hopes of opening a business, and was only able to do so with the help of family and friends.

Jamie Schumacher, the executive director of the West Bank Business Association, said the organization is supportive of her business though Tufa is not yet a member

“Having a family-owned business where there used to be a vacant space is a positive thing,” Schumacher said.

Tufa spends a lot of time in the kitchen as the head cook at Dilla’s, but said she has trained a few others to help her.

The restaurant is open daily and offers an extensive menu, including vegetarian options and an Ethiopian coffee served using a traditional cultural ceremony.

Tufa said she is in the process of obtaining a liquor license from the city. She said having a beer and wine selection will draw customers who like to have a drink with their meal.

Her daughter, Ayantu Tefera, is co-owner and helps out at the restaurant when available, but is currently studying to obtain her GED diploma and spends five days a week at school.

If her restaurant does well, Tufa said she would be able to hire more help in the future.

Read Tuesday’s issue of the Daily to learn more about Tufa’s journey to opening a restaurant.