Refugee- and Immigrant-Owned Businesses in Columbia

SpotlightFeature
Written By Paul Costigan

By Sophia Donis

Supporting refugee- and immigrant-owned businesses is more than just a transaction. It’s a tangible way to celebrate the creativity, diversity and culture newcomer entrepreneurs bring to Missouri.  

Each year, the list of newcomer-owned businesses in Columbia continues to grow, in part due to the help of local organizations like the Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), which provides free coaching services to attract and expand local businesses in Columbia and Boone County. 

Lesley Sapp, REDI Global Entrepreneurship Specialist, works directly with local immigrants and refugees to turn their ideas into tangible business ventures. This process typically starts by establishing each client’s end goal and filling out various forms to become a legal entity.  

“I see a lot of people looking to start a restaurant because they’ve been told they’re a great cook, but sometimes they don’t realize how hard it is to run a restaurant,” Sapp said. “So, part of my job is helping them navigate starting a business and figuring out what makes the most sense for them.” 

For clients who are looking to embark on opening their own restaurant, Sapp refers them to CoMo Cooks, a non-profit commercial kitchen providing accessible and affordable kitchen space for local food-based businesses. Through the CoMo Cooks program, clients can receive free coaching services and pay for a membership to participate in their pop-up kitchen program. 

In addition to her full-time job working with newcomer entrepreneurs, Sapp created a Facebook group called Immigrant Owned, Locally Loved, to spark community conversation and promote local businesses. In her free time, she even goes door-to-door striking up conversations with business owners to learn more about them. 

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on November 30, we’ve compiled a list of refugee- and immigrant-owned businesses. With a robust variety of restaurants, markets, catering companies and other small businesses, there is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate different cultures and support our newest neighbors. 

Stay tuned for future blog posts showcasing newcomer-owned businesses across Missouri, and check out the first installment of this series highlighting businesses in St. Louis. 

 

Restaurants

  • With two locations across town, co-owners Tzuyang Chao and Yiching Lin are focused on bringing Taiwanese culture to Columbia.  

    The cafes are designed to look similar to bubble tea shops in Taiwan, with extensive menus offering milk tea, fruit teas, flavored snow and more.  

    • 23 S 9th St. Columbia, MO 65201; (573-442-0654)

    • 1101 Grindstone Pkwy Suite 107, Columbia, MO 65201; (573-777-4252)

  • Established in 2013, Café Poland is co-owned by Iwona Galijska and Robert Burlinkski, a mother-son duo originally from Swinoujscie, Poland. While living in Poland, their family owned a farm where they grew produce to use in their restaurant, serving similar dishes to what is currently on the cafe’s menu.  

    Upon arriving in Columbia, they did not intend to embark on the restaurant business again, but after struggling to find employment, they decided to open Café Poland. Their menu features traditional Polish cuisine, including pierogi, golabki, borscht and Naleśniki. 

    • Address: 807 Locust St, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-874-8929 

  • John Burris originally opened Carlito’s Cabo in 2003 with a menu exclusively offering Mexican cuisine. Five years later, Sara Huaco, who originally worked as a server in the restaurant, purchased it from Burris.  

    Huaco kept the original menu but slowly started offering Peruvian dishes to reflect her own heritage. Today, the menu is a blend of many cultures, featuring dishes from Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.  

    • Address: 12A E Business Loop 70, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: (573) 443-6370 

  • Born into a large family, owner Maribel Torres channels her family’s love for cooking and sees her business as an extension of her roots. 

    Established in 2020, Crazy Good Burritos is a drive-thru only business and offers many menu options, including burritos, chilaquiles, taquitos and even breakfast options. 

    • Address: 815 E Business Loop 70, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-447-6232 

  • After launching a successful food truck, owner Vahap Ulker opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Broadway earlier this year. Patrons can find their signature chicken döner at both the restaurant and food truck, with a more extensive menu available at the restaurant.   

    • Address: 1201 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-228-6517 

    • This business is a client of CoMo Cooks. Learn more here. 

  • Originally from Medellín, Colombia, owner Marcela Isaza opened her bakery after realizing Columbia lacked baked goods that reminded her of home.  

    In August, Delysium opened its doors, offering fresh croissants, New York rolls and Latin American pastries to the downtown area. Learn more about Isaza and the bakery in a recent interview with Vox Magazine. 

    • Address: 904 Elm St., Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-801-6730 

  • Owner and self-taught chef Jina Yoo opened her first restaurant in 2008. Originally from Korea, she attended Indiana University where she received a formal music education and is classically trained to play the piano. In many interviews, she has compared cooking to music, seeing herself as a composer in both environments.   

    At Jina Yoo’s, you can find menu items such as edamame hummus, noodles, an extensive list of rolls and signature cocktails. 

    • Address: 2200 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-446-5462 

  • Le Bao Asian Eatery is Jina Yoo’s second restaurant in Columbia, offering a more fast-casual experience compared to her other restaurant, Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro. This location still combines Yoo’s fusion of Asian and Western flavors, with dishes including wonton tacos, Philly cheesesteak steamed buns, ramen and mochi.  Learn more about the story behind Le Bao from Vox Magazine. 

    • Address: 1009 Park Ave., Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-443-2867 

  • Manager Ismael Mendez learned to cook authentic Mexican food from his grandmother, and many of her recipes are used in the kitchen at Los Comales.  

    His brother, Ezequiel Mendez, owns the business and together they serve burritos, enchiladas, and tamales at the restaurant. The store also offers a butcher counter and imported goods from Mexico. 

    • Address: 3510 Interstate 70 Dr SE Ste B, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-447-6243 

  • Born in Mexico, owner Francisco J. Garcia and his family have owned Los Cuates for more than a decade.  

    On the first floor of the building, you’ll find a market with a wide range of items, including cowboy boots, soccer jerseys, spices, Mexican candy and Coca-Cola. After browsing imported goods in the market, customers can go upstairs and sit in the restaurant to enjoy authentic Mexican food. 

    • Address: 2908 Paris Rd., Columbia, MO 65202 

    • Phone: 573-814-1545 

  • Since fifth grade, owner Mahalet Tesfaye has enjoyed cooking. Originally from Ethiopia, Mahalet recently opened her restaurant to bring authentic cuisine to the small Ethiopian community in Columbia. 

    The Columbia Missourian recently reported Mahalet’s restaurant is the only Ethiopian restaurant between Kansas City and St. Louis, with a menu featuring kitfo, doro wit, injera and more. 

    • Address: 905 Alley A, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-554-2046 

    • This business is a client of CoMo Cooks. Learn more here. 

  • Myanmar Kitchen is owned by Saw Saw Aate, a refugee who fled Burma and was resettled in Columbia. Aate opened the restaurant in March 2024, and brings authentic Burmese and Thai food to the Columbia community.  

    On the menu, you can find an assortment of curries, fried rice, noodles and crab rangoons. 

    • Address: 1301 Vandiver Dr. Suite J, Columbia, MO 65202   

    • Phone: 573-355-5873 

  • Owner and head chef Kittikoon Chompupong has cooked Thai cuisine for over 25 years. As an immigrant from Vietnam, he is well versed with Thai cuisine and has opened multiple restaurants.  

    On the menu, you can find kanom jeib (Thai steamed dumplings), satay chicken, noodles, edamame and more.  

    • Address: 510 E Green Meadow Rd Unit 101, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-801-3459 

  • Like Ocha Thai, Ocha Noodles & Ramen is owned by Kittikoon Chompupong. Originally from Vietnam, Chompupong has decades of culinary experience and offers a variety of ramen, pho and curry at his second restaurant.   

    • Address: 1101 Grindstone Pkwy, Columbia, MO 65201  

    • Phone: 573-234-4026  

  • Originally from Syria, owner Ahmad Alkadah was a geography student before fleeing his home during the Syrian civil war in 2011. Years later, Ahmad opened The Syrian Kitchen, bringing pieces of his culture and authentic cuisine to Columbia.  

    On the menu you can find kabobs, shawarma, falafel, grape leaves and more.  

    • Address: 600 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-476-6168 

  • Tiger Chef is a restaurant owned by a local refugee named Sai Tai. The restaurant serves Thai and Burmese cuisine, including a variety of noodle dishes, curry and fried bananas.  

    • Address: 907 Rain Forest Pkwy, Columbia, MO 65202 

    • Phone: 573-397-4515 

  • Originally from Korea, owners Helena and Allen Shih opened UKneadSweets in 2012. After noticing local Chinese students were looking for an authentic home cooked meal, they added beef noodle soup to their menu, and it became popular by word of mouth. 

    At the cafe, you can find various milk teas and an assortment of sweet treats, ranging from cakes, cookies, cheesecake and tiramisu. For more savory bites, they offer noodles and pork burgers. 

    • Address: 808 Cherry St., Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-777-8808 

  • The following newcomer-owned businesses were brought to our attention by community members. While we don’t have additional business history to share, we still wanted to highlight them.

    El Fogón Veracruzano

    • Address: 923 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201

    • Phone: 573-633-5704

    • Check out their website!

    Geisha Sushi Bar

    • Address: 804 E Broadway Columbia, MO 65201 

    House of Chow

    • Address: 2101 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-445-8800 

    I Am Korean BBQ and Sushi

    • Address: 4603 John Garry Dr. #3, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-447-6058 

    Kampai Alley

    • Address: 907 Alley A. Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-442-2239 

    Kinkao Thai

    • Address: 904 E Broadway Suite 101, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 773-989-8517 

    La Terraza Mexicana Grill

    • Address: 1412 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203

    • Phone: 573-340-1293

    • Check out their website!

    Loon Sheng Restaurant

    • Address: 2716 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO 65202 

    Pho Quan Viet Cuisine

    • Address: 2016 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO 65202 

    • Phone: 573-449-0504 

    Szechuan House

    • Address: 21 N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-442-8383 

    Taste Place

    • Address: 215 N Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-499-0001 

 

Catering, Pop-ups & Food Trucks

  • While growing up in Kenya, owner Abbey Miller enjoyed acting as sous chef while assisting her mother in the kitchen. During that time, Miller inherited her mother’s care and enthusiasm for cooking, which she channels into her growing business today. 

    Patrons can try Miller’s Swahili cuisine such as coconut lentils, samosas and coconut curry through her weekly pop-up kitchen at CoMo Cooks.  

     

  • Owner Carmen Cecilia Febres Cordero loves to make food and sell it to patrons at the Columbia Farmers Market and through her pop-up at CoMo Cooks.  

    Originally from Venezuela, she comes from a family of immigrants and offers a variety of menu items including empanadas, cachito and golfeados.  

     

  • CoMo Shawarma is a family-operated business, offering authentic shawarma to the Columbia community. To try their food, place a catering order or attend one of their pop-ups at CoMo Cooks.  

    • Phone: 573-289-9036 

  • Sodam, meaning “delicious” in Korean, brings authentic Korean cuisine to Columbia. Some menu items include kimchi, fried rice and Korean-style soy chicken.  

    You can try their food at the Columbia Farmers Market or through their partnership with CoMo Cooks. 

     

  • The following newcomer-owned business was brought to our attention by community members. While we don’t have additional business history to share, we still wanted to highlight them.

    Lina's Cakes and Desserts

    • Phone: 605-651-2545 

    Polvorosas Savory Pies

 

Markets

  • After growing tired of driving from Columbia to St. Louis to find specific African food, owner Mahinga Tubirori opened his own market to bring African brands closer to home.  

    During the pandemic, Tubirori gave his cell phone number to customers and offered to deliver food when they couldn’t come to the store. In an interview with the Columbia Missourian, he describes his business venture as a way to give back to the community, and he enjoys seeing customers return to this store. Some of the items available in the market are plantain chips, Fufu flour and rice. 

    • Address: 1004 Old 63 N, Columbia, MO, United States, Missouri 

    • Phone: 573-825-1978 

  • Owner Youssef El-Tayash has owned A&Y Global Market since 1988, bringing a variety of halal meats to Columbia.  

    In addition to offering ingredients central to Muslim culture, patrons can find imported oils, fresh pita and international cuisine from Africa, South America and India. 

    • Address: 400 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65203   

    • Phone: 573-875-8724 

  • Hong Kong Market has been in business since 1996 and is currently owned by Giant Chen, who runs with business with the help of his brothers.  

    Patrons can find spicy ramen noodles, dumplings, mochi and other authentic Chinese products at the market.  

    • Address: 2006 E. Broadway, Columbia MO, 65201 

    • Phone: 573-474-2878 

    • Check out their Facebook page and learn more from Vox Magazine! 

  • Originally from Rwanda, owner Angelique Niyomugaba opened her market in 2019 to make traditional African ingredients and cuisine more accessible to Columbia residents.  

    Customers can find dried catfish, smoked tilapia, cassava leaves, cow skin and more at the shop.  

    • Address: 705 Vandiver Dr Suite K, Columbia, Mo 65202 

    • Phone: -573-442-4623 

  • In 2011, owner John Lee transformed Chong’s Asian Market into what is now Lee’s Market. This family-owned and operated business primarily sells a variety of Korean foods and beverages sourced from five different distributors in Chicago. 

     

    • Address: 700 Cherry St. Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-443-1977 

  • Siblings and immigrants Meghna, Nainesh and Akhilesh Patel are the three co-owners of Sai Market. Before starting their own business, their family would make countless trips from Columbia to St. Louis to find authentic South Asian ingredients for cooking.  

    Inspired by their father, who ran a market in India for 40 years, the siblings opened the market to meet the growing demand for South Asian products in Columbia.  

    Although it’s difficult for the family to find suppliers who are willing to make deliveries to central Missouri, the Patel family has enjoyed connecting with customers and bringing tastes of home to the community. 

    At the market, customers can shop for tindora, winter melon, various spices, flour, rice and more. 

    • Address: 2101 W. Broadway, Columbia MO, 65201 

    • Phone: 701-269-7775 

  • Originally from Burma, refugee owner Cing Cing Hlamyo opened Shwe Market to improve access to cultural ingredients for Columbia’s Asian community.  

    Located in North Columbia, the market offers produce, frozen meats, snacks and spices.  

    • Address: 800 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-514-7010 

  • Co-owners José and Carmen Morales opened their tortilla shop in May 2017. Using a tortilla recipe passed down from Carmen’s grandmother and mother-in-law, they make hundreds of flour and corn tortillas each day.  

    In addition to tortillas, they sell pan dulce, tamales and other products imported from Mexico. 

    • Address: 711 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65202 

    • Phone: 573-607-9127  

  • The following newcomer-owned business was brought to our attention by community members. While we don’t have additional business history to share, we still wanted to highlight them.

    Beracah African Market

    • Address: 18 Business Loop E, Ste. A, Columbia, MO, 65203 

    • Phone: 573-356-1129 

 

Miscellaneous

  • Co-owned by Jonathan Verdejo and Lisa Wampler, Blue Diamond Events offers wedding planning, DJ services, event lighting, photography, videography and custom décor rentals. Their goal is to provide quality service for every event, including celebrating the traditions of all cultures.

  • Owner and immigrant Mihaela (Miha) Britt obtained her law degree from the University of Missouri and has been practicing immigration law since 2013. Through her work, she has helped many clients with a variety of needs navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.  

    • Address: 19 E. Walnut St. Suite G Columbia, MO, 65203 

    • Phone: 573-615-1180 

  • Located at City of Refuge, the City Boutique is a way for Columbia residents to shop second-hand goods, with all proceeds going toward refugee support programs. Residents can drop off donations, and items in good condition are put in the boutique at affordable prices for anyone to purchase.  

    In the Global Artisan section of the boutique, you can find artisan goods made by refugee women looking to provide additional income for their families. Items include handmade purses, jewelry and other small trinkets. 

    • Address: 10 N. Garth Ave, Columbia MO, 65201 

    • Phone: 573-454-1552 

  • Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Cristina Nuñez’s love for drawing and painting began in elementary school. Growing up with a love for art, she studied art history at the Central University of Venezuela and later moved to Seoul, South Korea to receive a master’s degree in painting and fine arts at Kookmin University.  

    In 2018, Nuñez moved to Columbia and has participated in numerous exhibitions and even painted murals across town. Anyone interested in buying her artwork can view available pieces on her website. 

  • Since 2020, owner Arizbeth Iliana Viveros, has offered a variety of cleaning services for residential and commercial spaces. Anyone interested can book a consultation to get a quote or call the company directly. 

    • Phone: 573-825-2484 

  • Owner Ranjana Hans first learned about Ayurvedic herbs while growing up in India. In 2003, she moved to the U.S. and began taking a large interest in medicinal herbs and their potential health benefits.  

    Now, Hans owns her own business, sharing her herbs and handmade products with the community. Customers can purchase her items on the company website or at the Columbia Farmers Market. Available items include turmeric drinks, various herb-based pastes, oils and soaps.  

    • Address: 7401 S. Bennett Dr. Columbia 65201 

    • Phone: 614-551-6753 

  • Co-owners Anne and Sheila Omer have been running their small business for six years, even while living an ocean apart. Anne manages the marketing and order fulfillment aspects of the business in Columbia, while Sheila makes each item by hand while living in Kenya.  

    Once Sheila has made enough inventory, she ships the jewelry, bags and accessories to Anne in Columbia. After receiving the shipments, Anne organizes everything, sends out orders, and attends local markets and trade shows. 

    • Sheila’s Boutique is an online-only business. Check out their website and learn more from Vox Magazine! 

  • Born and raised in the South of France, Valérie Berta studied English in Paris and photojournalism at the University of Missouri. For years she traveled around the world and is now based in Columbia where she works on documentary photography. 

    MO-ORA had the pleasure of working with Valerie when she was working with Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri's Refugee Services team! 

  • The following newcomer-owned businesses were brought to our attention by community members. While we don’t have additional business history to share, we wanted to highlight them as honorable mentions in Columbia.

    Breeze Bridal and Prom

    • Address: 908 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 

    • Phone: 573-817-2262 

    Christina's Hair Salon

    • Address: 2405 W Ash St Ste B, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-445-5321 

    Laser Transport

    Loop Liquor

    • Address: 26 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO, 65201 

    • Phone: 573-442-3430 

    Lux Nail Bar

    • Address: 303 N Stadium Blvd Ste 103, Columbia, MO 65203 

    • Phone: 573-441-0074 

    Nanova Biomaterials

 

*This list is not intended to be comprehensive. Please contact Sophia Donis at doniss@iistl.org if you have suggestions for additional businesses to be included. 

Paul Costigan
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