Today we’d like to introduce you to Azigza (Azi) Hussen.
Hi Azigza (Azi), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to founding Gursha Eats is really a story about culture, resilience, and the desire to create belonging through food. I come from a background in storytelling and visual media, where I worked as a videographer and marketing specialist. Storytelling has always been at the center of what I do , whether through a camera lens or now through a plate of food. Over time, I realized that one of the most powerful ways to bring people together is through shared meals and cultural experiences.
As an Ethiopian who grew up in Sweden and now living in Oregon, I often found myself wanting to share the richness of Ethiopian cuisine and the spirit of “gursha”, the tradition of feeding one another as a gesture of care, trust, and community. That idea stayed with me. I began imagining a space where people could not only enjoy authentic Ethiopian flavors, but also experience the warmth, hospitality, and connection that are central to Ethiopian culture.
Starting Gursha Eats wasn’t a straight path. Like many entrepreneurs, I navigated financial uncertainty, licensing processes, partnership challenges, and the pressure of building something meaningful from the ground up. I began with pop-ups, community events, and small opportunities to introduce Ethiopian food to new audiences. Each step helped build confidence and community support. Encouragement from customers, friends, and even strangers reinforced that this vision had value.
Today, Gursha Eats is more than a restaurant, it is a cultural bridge. It represents persistence, identity, and the belief that food can create understanding across cultures. Every dish we serve carries a story of tradition, family, and gratitude to the Salem community that welcomed us. My goal is not only to grow a successful business, but to create a place where people feel connected, curious, and inspired to experience something new.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped Gursha Eats into what it is today. Starting a restaurant as a first-time founder comes with a steep learning curve. from navigating permits and licensing, to securing funding, to understanding the many operational details that happen behind the scenes. There were moments where the path forward felt uncertain, especially while balancing financial risk and trying to build something meaningful from the ground up.
One of the biggest challenges was building the business step by step with limited resources. We had to be creative, patient, and willing to adapt. From testing our concept through pop-ups and shared spaces, to working through lease negotiations and compliance requirements, each stage required persistence and problem-solving. At times, things moved slower than expected, and there were moments when I had to make difficult decisions about partnerships, timing, and investment.
Another challenge has been introducing Ethiopian cuisine to people who may not be familiar with it. While that can feel risky from a business perspective, it has also been incredibly rewarding. It requires education, storytelling, and consistency to build trust and curiosity around a different cultural dining experience.
Beyond the operational side, the personal journey has also required resilience. Entrepreneurship often involves uncertainty, long hours, and the responsibility of providing not only for your family, but also for your team. But these struggles have strengthened my vision and commitment. Each obstacle reinforced why Gursha Eats exists , to create opportunity, represent culture with pride, and build something that positively impacts the community.
Looking back, the road may not have been smooth, but it has been meaningful. Every challenge has contributed to growth, both personally and professionally, and has made every milestone even more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Gursha Eats, we specialize in authentic Ethiopian cuisine and cultural dining experiences that bring people together. Our food is rooted in tradition, prepared with care, and inspired by recipes that have been passed down through generations. From our slow-cooked Doro Wot to our vibrant plant-based dishes and fresh injera made from teff, we focus on creating meals that are both deeply flavorful and culturally meaningful.
But what truly defines our work goes beyond the food itself. We specialize in creating an experience, introducing our guests to the Ethiopian tradition of gursha, the act of feeding one another as a symbol of trust, respect, and connection. This philosophy shapes everything we do. We want every guest to feel welcomed, curious, and connected not only to the food, but to the culture behind it.
I am especially proud of how Gursha Eats has grown through community support. What started as an idea has turned into a space where people from different backgrounds come together to share a meal and learn something new. Seeing guests try Ethiopian food for the first time and return with friends and family is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me that food can be a bridge that brings people closer.
What sets us apart is the combination of authenticity and storytelling. My background in marketing and visual storytelling influences how we present our brand, communicate our mission, and create memorable experiences both online and in person. We focus not only on serving food, but on sharing culture in a way that feels welcoming and approachable.
Ultimately, I am most proud that Gursha Eats represents more than a restaurant, it represents identity, perseverance, and the desire to contribute something meaningful to the community. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by celebrating culture, encouraging connection, and reminding people that sharing a meal can bring joy and understanding.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played a role in my journey, but I see luck as something that meets you when you are already in motion. There have been moments of good fortune, meeting people who believed in the vision of Gursha Eats, receiving encouragement from the community, and finding opportunities to introduce Ethiopian cuisine to new audiences. Sometimes the right conversation, the right event, or the right supporter appeared at the right time, and those moments reminded me that when you stay committed to your purpose, opportunities begin to align.
At the same time, there have also been challenges that some might call bad luck, unexpected delays, financial pressures, complex negotiations, and deeply personal hardships that tested my resilience in ways I never anticipated. Just three days after opening Gursha Eats, my 14-month-old daughter, who is now almost two years old, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma cancer. Suddenly, everything became uncertain. I was trying to build a new business while also facing one of the most difficult moments any parent can experience. During that time, I would manage the restaurant during the day and then drive to Portland at night to be with my daughter at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Balancing the emotional weight of her diagnosis with the responsibility of running Gursha Eats was incredibly challenging.
What gave me strength during that period was the incredible support from the community. Customers, friends, and even people I had never met before showed kindness, encouragement, and understanding. Some offered words of support, others continued to show up for the business, and many reminded me that Gursha Eats had already become something meaningful beyond just food. That support helped me keep going during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. It reminded me that Gursha Eats is not just a business, it is part of a community built on compassion, connection, and shared humanity.
That experience also deepened my commitment to give back. When you go through moments where support from others helps you stand again, you realize how powerful community truly is. Part of the mission of Gursha Eats is to share that same spirit of care by giving meals to those in need and contributing positively to the community that has shown us so much encouragement. In many ways, the kindness we received became part of the foundation for the kindness we hope to continue sharing with others.
That experience strengthened my perspective on perseverance, purpose, and what truly matters. It showed me that even in the most uncertain times, we are not alone, and with faith, determination, and the support of others, it is possible to keep moving forward.
I’ve come to believe that luck is often the result of persistence, preparation, and faith. Every long night, every difficult decision, and every risk taken created more opportunities for positive outcomes. Even the setbacks helped clarify the vision for Gursha Eats and strengthened my commitment to building something meaningful.
In many ways, I feel fortunate to be able to share my culture through food and to see the community embrace it. That, to me, is the most meaningful form of luck, the opportunity to do work that has purpose and brings people together.
Pricing:
- Veggie Combo ($20-$30)
- Doro Wot ( $20-$30)
- Awdamet Gursha $30-$40)
- Awaze Tibs ($20-$30)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gurshaeats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gursha.eats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576982311550
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GURSHAETHIOPIANRESTAURANT
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gursha-eats-salem?osq=Ethiopian
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gursha.eats3?lang=en
