Four years after it had to close its doors for a new development, West African restaurant Kilimandjaro is back in University City, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The ribbon-cutting for the popular eatery was both a celebration of a community hub and a tribute to owner Youma Ba.

The dining room was packed with city officials and representatives of West African nations, all of whom spoke of the Senegal native’s generosity and tenacity.

Ba was also recognized by a presidential lifetime achievement award from U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, which was read out loud during the celebration. Ba was commended for contributing over 4,000 hours of community service.

Kilimandjaro reopened a few hundred feet from its original site, which opened in 2005. The new owner of the strip mall, Alterra Property Group, demolished the old center but ensured to keep room for the restaurant once the property was redeveloped.

“Including her was a no-brainer,’ said Jared Kern, Alterra’s director of development. “We are thrilled to have her continue her legacy.”

Ba grew up in Dakar in a big family of 12 children and the oldest of nine girls. Learning to cook was a necessity.

She is now is a prominent woman leader in the restaurant business.

Read more about Kilimandjaro’s reopening and the woman behind it in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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