History

When the sister’s father passed away in 2005, Tena guided and steadied the family. At this time Senait was working on a coffee plantation. In a far-reaching initiative by the Government of Zenawi Meles, Senait was able to lease a piece of land in Gondar as a reward for her astonishing work ethic.

Four years later the notion to build the first free-standing restaurant in Gondar was hatched. The theory behind the idea was simple:

Helen already had extensive restaurant management and waitressing experience. She had also built up friendships and contacts with master chefs from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. Senait’s work ethic was already acknowledged at the highest level and she also demonstrated an innate ability to absorb new skills and ideas. This, coupled with Aden’s intelligence, design, and language skills— together with Tena’s guidance and directorship, led to the belief that they could achieve success in their venture.

The Four Sister’s Restaurant opened on 31 July 2011. The occasion attracted some of Ethiopia’s most important dignitaries as well as local celebrities. Since that day, the Four Sisters, and the hard-working and dedicated staff, have received the highest accolades from guests who have come from all over the world—as well as travel and tourism industry critics and commentators.