A new Afro-Caribbean restaurant and food shop that has opened in Darlington has enjoyed a first-week success, as customers have flocked to try the unique cuisine.
Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods, based at 44 Tubwell Row, was unveiled on Saturday (August 10) with a grand opening, involving music, food and culture.
And, now, four days on from opening, the owner of the shop, Deborah Tajudeen-Ogunrinde, has reflected on the success that the store has had.
Deborah, who was originally born in Nigeria but moved to Darlington seven years ago, got a passion for cooking food for people and finally got the opportunity to open up the venue.
The restaurant owner said Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods was opened after wanting to bring a unique venue to Darlington, and not previously seeing anything of this nature in the town.
Alongside the food kitchen, which will be a takeaway offering at first, customers can buy groceries, like grains and rice, from the shop part of the building, as well as taking other food items to take away.
The business owner has also used her experience from working at Carmel College, and Darlington College, and volunteering at Basement Kitchen in Darlington - where she is well known in the community.
After the shop and restaurant opened, The Northern Echo visited the business to speak to Deborah and have a first look inside the venue.
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She said: "Since opening, we have enjoyed a great time. The number of people who have visited us is brilliant.
"We have been so busy - everyone that has come in has come in to try the food, buy some items and ask us about the business. It's great to see."
Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods, based at 44 Tubwell Row is open six days a week, 9am until 7pm, but closed on Sunday.
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