In the wake of the United States Army’s withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, over 175,000 Afghans sought refuge in the United States. Among them was Ali, a 19-year-old Afghan boy whose journey from a war-torn country to Northern California has not only been a tale of resilience but also a story of entrepreneurship that is now leaving its mark on the local community.
Upon arriving in the United States, Ali found himself at Camp Fort Lee in Virginia during the evacuation process. Little did he know that this experience would plant the seeds of a dream that would soon become a reality. Ali, along with his family, envisioned opening a restaurant to introduce Americans to Afghan food and culture.
Fast forward to the present day, and Ali is the proud owner of ROYAL CUISINE Restaurant at 4132 Manzanita Ave #400, Carmichael, CA 95608. The restaurant boasts a menu with over 15 items, and its kabobs have already earned a reputation for being among the most delicious in the area.
During a conversation with Ali, he shared his journey, stating, “I had believed that one day I would come to the United States because my family had a case, but I never imagined it would be during the evacuation process.” Ali revealed that his time at Camp Fort Lee inspired him to contribute to his family’s future by opening a restaurant that would showcase Afghan flavors.
Transitioning to Northern California, Ali faced the challenges of starting a business in a new country. “People helped us at Camp Fort Lee, but when we moved to Northern California, no one helped us. We worked hard for two years to save money and start our family business,” Ali explained.
Despite the initial hardships, Ali’s determination prevailed. He not only completed his schooling but is also currently studying at American River College with the goal of becoming a doctor. In addition to his academic pursuits, Ali manages the day-to-day operations of ROYAL CUISINE Restaurant.
Opened for almost six months, the restaurant has become a hub for both the local Afghan community and a diverse range of customers, including Americans, Ukrainians, Syrians, and more. With over 75% of their customers hailing from various backgrounds, ROYAL CUISINE has successfully introduced Afghan culture and food to the local community.
Ali expressed his joy at the positive response, noting that they receive online orders every day from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. One of the American customers praised the restaurant, saying, “Great place and delicious food! You can tell they are doing their best. Definitely will be back. You can smell fresh meat being grilled a mile away.”
To keep their customers happy, Ali proudly shared that they offer a free appetizer, a gesture rooted in Afghan culture.
With a beaming smile, Ali addressed the competition, saying, “I was sure our family business would do well in Carmichael, and people would like our service. Now, people love it.”
ROYAL CUISINE Restaurant has not only become a local favorite, but customers are also sharing their culinary experiences on social media, posting tantalizing food photos that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Afghan cuisine. Ali’s story is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Afghan diaspora, bringing a taste of Afghanistan to the heart of Northern California.
