Abdirahman Kahin of Afro Deli and Grill named small business person of the year
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Abdirahman Kahin as the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2023 at the National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 1. This award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership and create sustainable, thriving businesses in their communities.
“Abdirahman has pursued the American dream of business ownership — overcoming challenges, launching multiple food businesses, pivoting during COVID, and lifting local neighborhoods along the way. He combines great ideas with hard work and diligence, and we are honored that SBA has been a part of his successful and ongoing journey,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.
Afro Deli and Grill opened in 2014 in Minneapolis and quickly expanded to four locations across the Twin Cities, including Seventh Place in downtown St. Paul. The fast-casual restaurant is focused on healthy, fresh African fusion cuisine.