Bak-Ela

Bak-Ela is a bold fusion of Ethiopian and American Soul Food, rooted in the culinary journey of Armani, an Ethiopian-born chef, and Sam, an American soul food enthusiast. Together, they discovered that, despite their different culinary traditions, one humble ingredient connected them: beans. What started as a simple realization soon became a vision for a restaurant that celebrates this often-overlooked ingredient, elevating it to the menu's star. Bak-Ela blends Ethiopia's rich, spicy flavors with the comforting, hearty dishes of the American South, creating an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant’s name, derived from the Amharic word for ‘beans,’ embodies the brand’s playful but thoughtful nature, blending deep-rooted traditions with a modern twist and a dash of satirical charm. Bak-Ela isn’t just a place to eat; it’s where cultures meet, flavors collide, and beans get their long-overdue moment in the spotlight.

Bak-Ela was the recipient of an AAF Greenville ADDY Award for brand design.