Behind the Business: Interview with Freetown's Top Restaurant Owner

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Amara Kallon, owner of the wildly popular "Taste of Freetown" restaurant in the heart of the city. Since opening its doors three years ago, Taste of Freetown has become a local institution, known for its authentic Sierra Leonean cuisine and warm hospitality. Here's our conversation.

Q: Tell us about your journey. How did Taste of Freetown begin?

Amara: It started in my mother's kitchen. I grew up watching her cook traditional dishes for our family and community events. Everyone always said her cooking was special, and I realized there was an opportunity to share that with more people. I started with a small food stall, and the response was overwhelming. People kept coming back, and they brought their friends. After two years of saving, I was able to open the restaurant.

Q: What makes Taste of Freetown different from other restaurants?

Amara: It's all about authenticity and heart. We don't cut corners. Our recipes have been passed down through generations. We source ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting other Sierra Leonean businesses. But more than the food, it's about how we treat people. Every customer who walks through our door is treated like family. I know many of our regulars by name, and I know what they like to order.

Q: How did you discover LinkSalone, and how has it helped your business?

Amara: A customer told me about it last year. I was skeptical at first—I'm not very tech-savvy. But my daughter helped me set up our profile, and I'm so glad we did. Within weeks, we started getting new customers who found us through LinkSalone. Tourists visiting Freetown found us. People from other parts of the city who had never heard of us discovered our restaurant. The reviews have been incredible—seeing customers share photos of our food and write about their experience makes me proud.

Q: What's your advice for other business owners just starting out?

Amara: First, believe in what you're doing. If you don't believe in your business, no one else will. Second, listen to your customers. They'll tell you what you're doing right and what you could improve. Some of our most popular dishes came from customer suggestions. Third, embrace technology. LinkSalone has brought us customers we never would have reached otherwise. You don't have to be an expert—just be willing to learn.

Q: What's next for Taste of Freetown?

Amara: We're looking at opening a second location in Kenema by the end of the year. We've also started offering cooking classes on weekends, and they've been selling out. Eventually, I'd love to publish a cookbook featuring my mother's recipes. But for now, I'm focused on maintaining the quality and service that got us here.

Q: Any final thoughts for the LinkSalone community?

Amara: Thank you. To every customer who has walked through our doors, left a review, or recommended us to a friend—you've made our dream possible. And to business owners considering joining LinkSalone: do it. It's free, it's easy, and it works. We're proof.

Visit Taste of Freetown at 42 Wilkinson Road, Freetown, or find them on LinkSalone to see their menu and reviews.