Coming Soon Adel: Lion of Judah Ethiopian Restaurant
Lion of Judah will host traditional Ethiopian tea ceremonies.
ADEL, GA – Lion of Judah, an Ethiopian restaurant owned by couple Christal and Jara Gemeda, is preparing a new brick-and-mortar location at 112 S Hutchinson Ave, Adel, GA 31620, Gemeda told Business Debut in a phone interview.
Gemeda said the couple previously operated in Valdosta, and now they are bringing the Christ-centered business to Adel.
“When we would come here, we saw that there wasn’t an Ethiopian or African restaurant for 200 miles,” Christal Gemeda told Business Debut.
Menu and Vision
Gemeda said the menu centers on injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff and other grains. The restaurant prepares fresh injera twice a day.
Guests use pieces of injera to eat stews, or wats. Lion Of Judah plans a broad vegan selection along with beef tips and doro wat, a chicken stew with eggs made with berbere spice, according to Gemeda.
“We start off mild and then we go to the traditional spicy,” Gemeda told Business Debut.
Sambusas with varied fillings, including lentils, beef, mixed vegetables, and dessert-style options, are also planned. Gemeda said a house hibiscus tea with spices and vanilla will be available hot or cold.
Traditional recipes and techniques come from Jara’s mother, Zahara Saris. “She’s the one who told us everything that we know,” Gemeda said.
Gemeda shared with Business Debut that the family plans to pair the restaurant with an upstairs Airbnb. She said they hope guests experience the Ethiopian emphasis on community in both spaces.
History
Lion of Judah is family run and also employs local staff.
The Adel restaurant is planned as a full-service space with periodic live music. Gemeda said the team also plans Spoken Word Wednesdays once a month with family-oriented performances.
A small in-house shop is planned with merchandise, traditional clothing, and items from local entrepreneurs. Gemeda said there will be vendor spots for adults once a month and five ongoing spaces for youth-owned businesses.
Gemeda said the restaurant aims to host Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and foster a slow-paced, communal environment.
Opening Timeline
Gemeda said the team is targeting an opening by October. A more specific date is to be announced.
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