Located in the heart of Campus District, the new Afro-Caribbean eatery Yum Village has made its home on Cleveland State University’s campus. Opening in the space previously known as Chapati in the Langston apartments, Yum Village brings West African-Caribbean cuisine in the recognizable, fast-casual style of a Chipotle or Piada.
Brothers, Godwin and Carasai Ihentuge, grew up eating all the dishes you see on the menu. Their dad is Nigerian, from a town near Lagos, a major city on the West African coast. Yum Village hopes to impact the palates of not only the students, but the community, providing versatile cuisine that is fresh, new and exciting. “[The food] is not only different for the community and surrounding area, but also different from what CSU has experienced,” describes Carasai.
Godwin began Yum Village as a ghost kitchen model, then a food truck concept, and eventually a successful brick and mortar establishment. Their original location is headquartered in downtown Detroit, on Wayne State University’s campus. “We position ourselves not only based on students as a customer base, but also by public transportation,” explains Carasai. Bringing the idea to CSU focuses on similar concepts. “In Detroit, we are located by the Wayne State campus, but there is also the Amtrak station there. Just like here in Cleveland, Yum Village is located near the bus routes, as well as the Greyhound station.”
Both Carasai and Godwin are from Detroit, but Carasai attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, and decided to stay here after graduation. After spending a lot of time traveling to and from Detroit, Cleveland seemed like the perfect spot for a second location. “Growing up eating and knowing all the recipes, it only made sense to add a Yum Village to Cleveland,” says Carasai.
“Since CSU is no longer known as a commuter college, more students are living here on campus from all different walks of life and demographics. We want to cater to that foreign palate” describes Carasai. “The good thing about Cleveland is that it is very similar to Detroit but feels a little more tight-knit, which is a good thing because word of mouth spreads quick.”
The Yum Village menu caters to many dietary restrictions and remains committed to being non-gmo. Although about 75% of their menu is vegan, Yum Village does offer unique and delicious meat choices like ox tail, jerk chicken, and curry goat. “We want the consumer to experiment and try something they’ve never had before,” explains Carasai. “We put that Afro-Caribbean twist on it.”
Yum Village is committed to serving the communities they reside in, by sourcing local or locally made products, and donating to local food banks and nonprofit organizations to provide meals to those who may not be as fortunate as others. “It helps so that the food doesn’t go to waste. This opportunity is providing to people who need food, while also opening their mind to foods they may have never tried before,” describes Carasai.
Something else that sets them apart from others is “providing African diaspora to the community and beyond,” explains Carasai. By creating these traditional dishes and cuisine that one may not be culturally familiar with, they help expand how people connect with their food. The Yum Village Market Pantry, which sells spices and goods online, allows the brand to expand their reach beyond your typical restaurant experience. “Our Market Pantry website allows you to order spices or certain goods, so you can make these dishes at home. This is another way we are different and versatile within our industry.”
Yum Village also uses a Smart Vending Machine, one in which a customer can swipe their card to open the fully stocked cooler, and purchase a meal that is ready for eating. These grab-n-go meals have a 7-14 day shelf life, and can be heated in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. In Detroit, Yum Village has five smart vending machines spread throughout the area, not just on campus. In Cleveland, Yum Village hopes to expand their reach with this same healthy meal concept, looking to partner with all sorts of businesses such as apartment complexes, office buildings, hospitals, dorms, etc.
Yum Village celebrated their soft opening November 29th, and plan to have their grand opening after the new year. You can find this Afro-Caribbean healthy eatery on Chester Avenue in the Langston building, or on most food delivery services.