At the intersection of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie lies 19Fifty-One, a unique Ethiopian-Korean restaurant born from the deep-rooted friendship of its owners. This café and bar on Taylor Street is more than an eatery — it’s a tribute to two countries whose pasts are intertwined in unexpected ways. The restaurant honors a shared past while celebrating the power of collaboration and creativity.

19Fifty-One was established in 2023, but its story begins in the year of its namesake. According to the Wilson Center, Ethiopia became a founding member– and the only African member– of the United Nations Multinational Force in the mid-20th century. Meanwhile, South Korea was in the midst of a brutal conflict to maintain sovereignty. In the year 1951, Ethiopia was one of the countries that contributed forces to support South Korea under the banner of the United Nations.

Ethiopia sent one of the largest non-Western contingents to support the U.N.’s efforts, with some soldiers receiving U.S. Medals of Honor. This act paved the way for a longstanding relationship between the two nations.

Fasil Tesfaye owns Goorsha, an Ethiopian restaurant on Main Street in downtown Durham. Just two blocks over sat Kaffeinate, a Korean family-owned coffee shop permanently closed after a gas explosion in the building in 2019. The accident claimed the life of Kong Lee, the owner of Kaffeinate, according to ABC11. His son, Raymond Lee, first worked for Tesfaye at Goorsha. Soon after, the pair decided to partner to create 19Fifty-One.

The menu and establishment pay homage to the power of unwavering friendship and support in the face of devastating losses and trials.

“Goorsha is my own shop, but after his father passed, we decided on this concept to mix the two [cuisines],” Tesfaye said.

The menu features American foods with Ethiopian and Korean twists. Rather than straightforward fusion, many of the dishes take modern approaches to traditional flavors, complementing cultures and spices. An example is Tesfaye’s favorite — the Chicken Bulgogi Sandwich.

“The sauce has some Ethiopian spices in it,” Tesfaye said. “And in the Hot Addis [Chicken Sandwich] we mix some of the Korean and Ethiopian spices to come up with our sauce.”

Framed on the café’s wall above a royal blue couch rests Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia who sent Ethiopian troops to support South Korea during their conflict. He is championed for the modernization of Ethiopia and the widespread promotion of Pan-Africanism. His legacy is not only that of a leader but also one of global significance. Selassie’s influence extends beyond Ethiopia, making him a symbol of African unity and resistance against oppression. 

His image in the restaurant serves as both a tribute to Ethiopia’s rich history and a reminder of the enduring importance of the shared strength that arises when communities come together.

At 19Fifty-One, food becomes a canvas for the powerful story of two nations — and friends — bound by their past but looking toward a future shaped by consideration and mutual respect. Each creative dish serves as a reminder of the possibilities and pathways forged by unlikely companions.