community-news

At Swahili Village DC, community has always been at the heart of everything we do. From the meals we share to the memories we help create, we are deeply grateful for the continued love and support you've shown us over the years.

As we look toward the future, we would like share that our DC location will be temporarily closing as we undergo renovations and enhancements to elevate your dining experience.

This is not goodbye, it's a glow-up.

During this time, we'll be refreshing our space, refining our offerings, and preparing something truly special for our return. Our goal is simple: to come back better, stronger, and more inspired than ever, while staying true to the flavors, culture, and hospitality you know and love.

We encourage our DC family to continue enjoying Swahili Village at our other locations, and to stay connected with us on social media and our website for behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, and reopening announcements.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support means everything to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back soon.

With gratitude,

Kevin Onyona 

Founder,
Swahili Village

Washington, DC – September 22, 2025 – In a poised move to strategically position its legacy and future, Swahili Village has made the decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to expand its operations. This strategic choice is not an end but a new beginning, aimed at restructuring financial obligations, enhancing operational efficiency, and fortifying the long-term sustainability of the beloved brand.

Encountering unforeseen settlement pressures and external economic challenges are part of business when you rise to a level of large scale multi-location operations, between 3 states and jurisdictions. The Chapter 11 process opens a pathway for the brand to reorganize, minimize liabilities, and emerge stronger than ever.

"At Swahili Village, our purpose has always been about providing an extraordinary dining experience, an authentic Kenyan experience and fostering a sense of community by helping every city we build each restaurant," stated Kevin Onyona, Founder of Swahili Village. "We fully grasp the seriousness of this decision; however, it is a necessary step to secure a brighter future for our employees, patrons, and the integrity of our brand. We are steadfast in our commitment to approach this process with transparency and integrity."

Throughout this reorganization, Swahili Village will operate seamlessly without interruptions, ensuring that employees remain integral to the mission. Customers can look forward to the same exceptional dining experiences that have become synonymous with the Swahili Village name, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality.

As Swahili Village embarks on this transformative journey under Chapter 11, the goal is clear: to emerge with a robust foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Swahili Village community for their unwavering support over the past 18 years. We encourage you to stand with us during this pivotal time as we strive to expand the Swahili community and bring our culinary delights to more neighborhoods across the country.

Together, we will build a brighter future for Swahili Village.

For media inquiries, please contact: 240-965-7651