TOPLINE
Situated in the northern region of France, this restaurant harmoniously combines African and European cuisines into a single dish, epitomizing the unity between the cradle of humanity and the old continent in the field of gastronomy.
An Invitation at the table of the Afro family. Brothers Freddy and Gaudrey, born into a family of four children, transported the flavors of Cameroon and Africa, to create a vibrant buffet of spices and aromas at the heart of the Lille metropolis.
At “Les Tontons Afro”, there is a fusion of culinary delights borne out of passion. “We are Cameroonians born in France. Driven by our love for cooking and sharing, we wanted to create this blend, this restaurant concept, “Les Tontons Afro”, that reflects our identity,” explains Freddy, one of the restaurant’s co-founders.
Aged 31 and 29 respectively, Gaudrey and Freddy have crafted an enticing venture that has garnered support from numerous investors. Their appearance on the television show “Who wants to be my partner?” aired on the French channel M6 sparked great interest in “Les Tontons Afro”. “Financial constraints have never hindered us. During the show, entrepreneur Éric Larchevêque decided to support us by injecting a sum of 104 million CFA francs,” reveals Freddy.
Their journey began with an observation. African restaurants are a rarity in Europe. “African restaurants account for less than 1% of all restaurants in France. Without Uncle Gaudrey, this concept would never have come to fruition. He frequented restaurants with his colleagues and noticed the scarcity of African restaurants in Europe. It was then that he suggested we should engage in this business venture,” shares Freddy.
On the menu, whether enjoyed on-site or take away, sweet or savory, spicy or light, “Les Tontons Afro” takes food enthusiasts on a culinary expedition, unveiling various African delicacies and even Caribbean influences. These dishes are not only rich in history and vibrant in color but, above all, they tantalize the taste buds. Among the highlights are roasted sea bream prepared in Cameroon style and must have ‘Afropoke’ a well-crafted dish featuring grilled mushrooms, curry rice, Cameroonian red beans and plantains. It is a global experience encapsulated within a single plate.
“Les Tontons Afro” remain rooted in their origins. They embark on culinary expeditions, returning with delectable dishes. “Currently, I am conducting a market research in Africa. After Cameroon, I will be visiting Ethiopia and then Congo to gain a deeper understanding of the culinary habits in these countries,” states Freddy.
For these culinary enthusiasts, another objective is to transform “Les Tontons Afro” brand into a global ambassador of African cuisine, with over 60 restaurant chains worldwide, providing 60 reasons to savor a dish bursting with flavors from around the globe.
