They ignited the taste buds during the gourmet follies held last year. The entrepreneurial owners and sisters, Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha, write a new chapter with the official opening of their new commercial space in the heart of the urban center.
We met business women at their restaurant during an official event held on Saturday. They are from the Republic of Congo and settled in the region of Granby in 2012. So the idea of opening a traditional African space came to the lead.
The taste for entrepreneurship has never left the sisters despite the years. The project is finally the answer to a growing enthusiasm of the public. It must be admitted that the landscape has changed in the region for 13 years. Diversity is more present than ever in Granbyan demography.
“We searched, then looked for, and the process finally started last year. We saw the need as soon as we arrived on Quebec soil. There is no African restaurant in Granby, “said Victorine Kosha, during our visit to lunchtime.
Between perseverance and resilience
The project did not materialize without pitfalls. In the past 12 months, the sisters have gone through the tests with persistence and resilience. They found strength in their unit, according to Victorine.
“We had to open last year, but we encountered certain administrative and financial problems. For us, this is a first business experience in Canada, “added Ms. Kosha.
The contract to obtain the main street premises was signed last summer. Business women have invested time and money, in the following months, to make all the necessary renovations for the official opening.
“We have done all the work ourselves!”
— Victorine Kosha, restaurant co -owner at Bivic
In one of the premises, we find the restaurant with furniture and open cuisine, at the sight of customers. In the other, there is the hair salon and the grocery store. In the basement, there is finally a space-bar dedicated to dance, at meetings and typically African evenings.
The restaurant notably offers braised fish dishes with Attiéké fried banana, ndolé and cassava stick as well as delicious chicken dishes, rice and plantain. To this menu is added a selection of African mocktails with unique flavors, made from ginger juice and bissap.
“Food is inspired by Congo, but of Africa in general. We are from the center of the continent, but we find dishes from all the cardinal points, “said Victorine Kosha, who invites the immigrant community, but also Quebecers of origin who are thirsty for new flavors.
The small grocery store offers multiple food, spices and typical ingredients, to extend the experience at home. The hairdressing space is inspired by traditional African salons.
The dishes are inspired by flavors from all over Africa. (At Bivic/Facebook)
Certainly, the owners are happy with the good outcome, the opening of their trade. What are the longer -term ambitions for entrepreneurous sisters? They want to offer a gathering place that simply combines discovery, pleasure and hospitality.
“We believe in it. We have always believed in ourselves. “
— Victorine Kosha, restaurant co -owner at Bivic
“The beginnings are always a little difficult, but we have confidence! As believers, Christians, it is always said that with the grace of God, it will go well, ”concluded Bibiche Bello.
The Bivic restaurant is located at 181, rue Principale, in Granby.
