Today we’d like to introduce you to Anisa Mohammed.
Anisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Founded by a dynamic duo of a psychologist, Anisa, and real estate investor, Deeyon, Channa Kitchen is the realization of a dream to explore new horizons and share passion for West Indian food with the community. Channa Kitchen opened as a ghost kitchen in 2023 and has offered delicious dishes through pick up, delivery, corporate dining, catering, farmers markets, and pop-ups.
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?
Opening a restaurant has been far from a smooth process. The first obstacle was stepping outside comfort zones. The couple had success in their relative professions, but figuring out how food intersected with mental health and real estate was a huge task. They learned that connection with others was the common thread. Channa Kitchen wasn’t about leaving psychology and real estate for food. It was about taking the same purpose with us into a different space – creating an emotional experience and a finding a new home inside a plate. A second obstacle was navigating not having a physical storefront. The team learned that visibility is a commodity you have to buy. In a ghost kitchen, you do not compete with the restaurant next door; you compete with the entire internet. Success depends on keeping customers happy through good food, meaningful conversations, genuine care, and a willingness to constantly adapt and improve. The ghost kitchen wasn’t just a facility; it was an incubator that allowed Channa Kitchen’s culinary dream to break even, scale, and build a real footprint from behind a closed door.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Prior to opening Channa Kitchen, Deeyon and Anisa worked in real estate and in healthcare. Anisa is known for her background as a psychologist, her understanding of people, and her ability to connect with and support others. Deeyon is known for his work as a real estate agent and investor, helping people navigate real estate while building long-term wealth through property investment. They are most proud of building successful lives and careers from their own knowledge, determination, and hard work. Anisa can be proud of using her psychology background to positively impact people’s lives, while Deeyon can be proud of creating opportunities through real estate and investing. What sets them apart is that they bring two very different but complementary perspectives together: understanding people and understanding property. Anisa brings empathy, communication, and insight into human behavior, while Deeyon brings business, negotiation, and investment expertise. Together, they can be proud of building something meaningful while continuing to grow. Their combination allows them to connect with people on a deeper level while also thinking strategically about creating new opportunities in other areas – like food!
What matters most to you?
What matters most to Deeyon and Anisa is creating a space through Channa Kitchen where food, culture, and community come together. They want to share the flavors and traditions of Trinidad and the Caribbean while making people feel welcomed, connected, and cared for. We’re passionate about building a business that not only serves great food, but also celebrates their heritage, supports our community, and creates opportunities for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.channakitchen.com
- Instagram: @Channa.Kitchen.Mpls
- Facebook: Channa Kitchen
