Brooklyn Center’s beloved Jambo Africa restaurant is set to expand into a larger, more dynamic space, marking a milestone in its 13-year journey of serving authentic African cuisine to the community. The new location, planned for 6500 Camden Ave. N., will be a transformative step forward—not just for the restaurant, but for the cultural and economic landscape of the city.
The proposed site, currently a 1.62-acre vacant parcel of land owned by the Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority, is situated just north of Topgolf and west of Highway 252. The city, which purchased the land in 2017 for $685,000, plans to sell it to Jambo Africa’s owners for $500,000 as part of a strategy to revitalize the area and enhance its tax base.
The vision for Jambo Africa’s new location is ambitious and exciting. The 5,700-square-foot restaurant and bar will also feature an additional 1,200 square feet of outdoor patio space. This expansion will more than double the size of its current location at 1601 Freeway Blvd., providing much-needed capacity to meet growing demand.
Since its opening, Jambo Africa has cultivated an international following and become a cultural cornerstone in Brooklyn Center. Its exponential growth during and after the pandemic underscores its role as a gathering place where the community can experience the rich culinary traditions of Africa. However, the current space is no longer sufficient to serve its loyal and ever-expanding customer base, prompting the need for this new “destination location.”
The journey to this expansion has not been without its challenges. A previous plan to relocate Jambo Africa to another site in the city was rejected due to parking concerns. This new location, however, is expected to address those issues, paving the way for a project that will bring life to a vacant lot while solidifying Jambo Africa’s legacy.
This isn’t just about a bigger restaurant; it’s about what Jambo Africa represents. Black-owned businesses like Jambo Africa are vital threads in the fabric of our community. They provide more than jobs and economic growth—they create spaces where stories, traditions, and cultural pride thrive. The expansion of Jambo Africa is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Black entrepreneurship, a reminder that our contributions to the local and global economy cannot be overlooked.
Brooklyn Center’s support of Jambo Africa’s growth is a step in the right direction. It demonstrates the power of partnerships between local government and Black-owned businesses in building a more inclusive and prosperous future. The new location promises to be a cultural and culinary hub, drawing visitors from across the Twin Cities and beyond to experience the flavors and warmth that only Jambo Africa can provide.
As construction plans unfold, the community has a role to play. Let’s continue to champion and support Black-owned businesses, not just with our words but with our dollars and advocacy. Jambo Africa’s success is our success—a reminder of what we can achieve together when we invest in our own.