HARKER HEIGHTS — New Samoan restaurant Koko Cafe got off to a grand start Saturday with entertainment, food and fun.
The café is located at 704-C Edwards Drive, inside Jackpot Bingo Hall, next to the Harker Heights Events Center.
The cafe is one of the latest restaurants to celebrate its opening, as it held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Small Business Saturday,
The festivities begin with prayers, followed by DJ music, food, contests and raffles.
Live entertainment by various musical groups rounded off the festivities.
The restaurant’s co-owners, Tausinio Silao and his wife, Eileen, describe the culture of the food as being based in Samoa.
He said the Samoans at Fort Hood were well represented.
Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island nation consisting of two main islands, two smaller inhabited islands, and several smaller uninhabited islands, including the Alepata archipelago.
“We are humbled and thank God for allowing us to start our small business,” Silao said.
He said the inspiration for opening Koko Cafe came from cooking and selling food and grilling at local festivals.
He said he started fundraising because he was the pastor of the church.
“People love our food! This opens the door for us to cater.”
He said everything was going well, and he thanked God for that.
He said the impact of the pandemic has slowed his progress toward starting a business, but things have gradually improved for the small business owner over time.
“Everything is for the people,” he said.
