Brooklyn Park has a new go-to for fufu and jollof. Carol's African Restaurant quietly flipped on the “open” sign on May 9 at 6940 Brooklyn Blvd and promptly drew a crowd of more than 200 people for its grand opening, turning a longtime family catering hustle into a full-on neighborhood restaurant.
The spot is run by the Killen family, Daniel and Jamecar, who named the business for Jamecar’s mother, Carol Gbanjah. The menu leans into Liberian and broader West African dishes, many pulled straight from family recipes. The brick-and-mortar launch follows years of catering around the Twin Cities and roughly two years of renovation work on the space.
According to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the Killens opened the Brooklyn Boulevard storefront on May 9 after nearly a decade of building a catering following that started around 2017. Daniel told the paper, “The dream of this business was birthed by my wife, her mother, and her sister,” and the outlet notes his past life as a standout collegiate soccer player and Minnesota Mr. Soccer recipient.
From Catering Crew To Corner Spot
Local planning and commercial records list the 6940 Brooklyn Blvd address as a new kitchen site, including a commercial listing on LoopNet. The Killens say the buildout meant starting from the basics with plumbing, electrical upgrades, and full kitchen infrastructure, turning the process into a slow, sometimes nerve-testing project before they could finally open the doors.
What’s On The Menu And Who It’s For
Carol's centers Liberian food while weaving in broader West African flavors, with the Killens aiming for dishes that feel both true to home and welcoming to newcomers who might be tasting the cuisine for the first time. The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder reports that more than 200 people turned out for the grand opening, and the family plans to keep their catering operation running alongside the restaurant to serve both private events and walk-in customers.
Carol's arrives in a pocket of Brooklyn Park that already has a growing cluster of African food businesses, including Value Foods African Market and Milah’s Royal Bistro, further stacking the neighborhood’s West African dining options.
Carol's African Restaurant is located at 6940 Brooklyn Blvd. For current hours, menu updates, and private-event inquiries, check their Facebook. The owners say they hope the space grows into a community hangout that honors family recipes while welcoming both longtime supporters and curious first-time diners.
