Ahmed Omar: Community Legacy Award
by Small Business Administration Ahmed Omar, the youngest of 13 children who fled his native Somalia with his family in search of a better life, was well on his way to living the American dream when he died suddenly last year at the age of 36. The owner-chef of Kismayo Kitchen, the first Somali restaurant in Burlington, Omar was known throughout the community for his warmth, compassion, determination and authentic Somali cuisine.
In recognition of his determination, perseverance and entrepreneurial success, Omar was posthumously honored by the SBA with its 2024 Community Legacy Award for Vermont.
Photo: Ahmed Omar. Courtesy photo.
“Due to upheaval in their country, Omar and his family faced many obstacles prior to coming to America,“ said Darcy Carter, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Vermont district office. “And yet he overcame those challenges, proceeding with patience and forethought to start and grow his business successfully, creating a restaurant focused on a multicultural menu and a sense of community.“
The SBA Office of Advocacy reports that immigrants make up 18% of U.S. business owners with employees and about 23% of business owners without employees.
Omar’s path was far from easy. He and his family escaped war-torn Somalia to seek refuge in Kenyan camps. At 17, he relocated to Vermont and ultimately graduated from Burlington High School.
Starting his career at YouthBuild, Omar became a personal trainer and then an online health coach. However, inspired by his mother, everyone knew his true passion was cooking. He taught cooking classes at City Market in Burlington, all while dreaming and planning his own restaurant.
Omar also found a valuable mentor in Will Clavelle at the City of Burlington’s business and workforce development department, who provided guidance on business planning, funding access and other technical assistance.
In July 2019, at the age of 32, Omar opened Kismayo Kitchen on Riverside Avenue in Burlington. By then, he and his wife, Anisa Mohamed, had two daughters.
Photo: Anisa Mohamed, at the restaurant started by her late husband, Ahmed Omar. Photo: VermontBiz photo
Mohamed shared that Omar’s love for food fueled the restaurant’s growth, and it was the way he showed love to others.
Omar’s own words, preserved in one of the 20 cooking-demonstration videos he made with his friend Oliver Parini, reinforce that sentiment.
“Kismayo Kitchen offers multicultural cuisine where the ingredient is always love,“ he said. “I put a lot of love in every meal we make to ensure the customers are always happy and satisfied.
Besides his culinary skills, Omar was passionate about promoting healthy eating habits based on lean protein and whole grains. He enthusiastically offered cooking classes to anyone interested in learning how to prepare nutritious meals.
From the outset, Omar had a keen understanding of how to identify and cater to his target market as well as how to build a brand that resonated with the multicultural community. He served traditional Somali cuisine like chicken and rice, and samosas, all infused with savory and spicy Somalian flavors. He also prepared vegetarian and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, and even included a Philly cheesesteak on the menu.
Mindful of growing his business, Omar actively marketed the restaurant. In addition to the cooking-demonstration videos, he actively engaged with the community on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Omar’s vision was to extend the reach of his social media content internationally.
In an article for the alternative weekly newspaper Seven Days, writer Melissa Pasanen eloquently captured Omar’s love of community: “When God gives you skills, you’re gonna share with your people. I just want to teach them. In 10 minutes, I can help save their life.“
Omar not only realized his business dreams, achieving consistent five-star and high four-star ratings with glowing reviews, but his ventures also became a source of immense joy for him and his community. His love for his family and neighbors fueled countless acts of generosity, establishing him as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who also value giving back. Omar’s story proves that success is not solely measured by profits, but also by the positive impact one can have on the lives of others.
After Omar’s untimely passing, Kismayo Kitchen was temporarily closed as his wife and family grieved. However, with the support of love ones, Mohamed reopened the restaurant in November 2023, a testament to Omar’s enduring legacy.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a plaque honoring Omar. It reads: “He didn’t just serve delicious food, he served kindness, compassion and a sense of unity that touched countless lives.“
Mohamed shared that customers continue to reminisce about Omar’s ability to make patrons feel at home in the restaurant. “I want everyone to know that we miss him as much as they do,“ she said.
“And I know that Omar is grateful to be recognized by his community and by the people who still love him.“
Love is the secret ingredient.
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