African Cuisine in Granby
Bivic Restaurant Opens, Bringing African Flavors to Granby
Table of Contents
- Bivic Restaurant Opens, Bringing African Flavors to Granby
- Bivic Restaurant: Your Guide to African Flavors in Granby, Quebec
- What is bivic Restaurant?
- Were is Bivic Restaurant located?
- What kind of food does Bivic Restaurant offer?
- What makes bivic Restaurant unique?
- Who are the owners of Bivic Restaurant?
- What inspired Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha to open Bivic Restaurant?
- How did the sisters overcome the challenges of opening Bivic Restaurant?
- How does Bivic Restaurant contribute to Granby’s community?
- What dishes are highlighted on the menu?
- Can I buy African ingredients at Bivic?
- What are the owners’ hopes for the future of Bivic Restaurant?
- Key Features of Bivic Restaurant
GRANBY, Quebec (May 4, 2025) – Sisters Bibiche bello and Victorine Kosha, entrepreneurs who previously tantalized palates at last year’s gourmet events, have officially launched their new venture, Bivic Restaurant, in downtown Granby.
The restaurant,a celebration of customary African cuisine,is the culmination of a dream for the sisters,who immigrated from the Republic of Congo and settled in the Granby area in 2012. The grand opening followed an official event held Saturday.
Their entrepreneurial spirit undeterred over the years,Bello and kosha’s restaurant answers a growing demand for diverse culinary experiences in the region. Granby’s demographic landscape has evolved significantly in the last 13 years, embracing a richer tapestry of cultures.
“We started the process last year, driven by a clear need we identified upon arriving in Quebec,” said Kosha during a recent visit. “There was simply no dedicated African restaurant in Granby.”
Perseverance Pays Off
The journey to opening Bivic Restaurant was not without its challenges. Bello and Kosha navigated numerous obstacles with resilience and unwavering support for each other over the past year, according to Kosha.
“We initially aimed to open last year, but encountered administrative and financial hurdles,” Kosha said. “This is our first business venture in Canada, so there was a learning curve.”
After securing the lease for their Main Street location last summer, the sisters invested considerable time and resources into renovations, transforming the space into a multifaceted establishment.
“we have done all the work ourselves!”
— Victorine Kosha, co-owner of Bivic Restaurant
Bivic encompasses more then just a restaurant. The space includes a hair salon, a grocery store, and a basement bar designed for dancing, gatherings, and traditional African evenings.
The restaurant’s menu features braised fish with Attiéké (cassava couscous) and fried banana,along with classic dishes like ndolé (bitter leaves stew) and cassava sticks.Chicken dishes, rice, and plantains are also available. Complementing the food are unique African mocktails crafted with ginger juice and bissap (hibiscus tea).
“Our food draws inspiration from Congo, but also from across Africa,” Kosha said.”While we are from the center of the continent, our menu includes dishes from all regions.” She hopes to attract both the immigrant community and Quebecers eager to explore new flavors.
The grocery store offers a variety of African foods, spices, and ingredients, allowing customers to recreate the Bivic experience at home.The hair salon provides traditional African styling services.
The sisters are optimistic about the future of their business, envisioning Bivic as a welcoming space that combines discovery, enjoyment, and hospitality.
“We believe in it. We have always believed in ourselves.”
— Victorine Kosha,co-owner of Bivic Restaurant
“The beginnings are always a little challenging,but we have confidence!” Bello said. “As Christians, we believe that with God’s grace, everything will go well.”
Bivic Restaurant is located at 181 rue Principale, Granby.
Bivic Restaurant: Your Guide to African Flavors in Granby, Quebec
What is bivic Restaurant?
Bivic Restaurant is a new African restaurant located in downtown Granby, Quebec, that opened on May 4, 2025. It’s the brainchild of sisters Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha, who immigrated from the Republic of Congo and have been residents of Granby since 2012. The restaurant aims to provide a taste of authentic african cuisine and culture to the local community.
Were is Bivic Restaurant located?
Bivic Restaurant is located at 181 rue Principale in Granby, Quebec.
What kind of food does Bivic Restaurant offer?
Bivic Restaurant offers a diverse menu inspired by flavors from across Africa. The menu includes:
- Braised fish with Attiéké (cassava couscous) and fried banana
- Classic dishes like ndolé (bitter leaves stew) and cassava sticks
- Chicken dishes, rice, and plantains
- Unique African mocktails crafted with ginger juice and bissap (hibiscus tea)
What makes bivic Restaurant unique?
Bivic Restaurant is more than just a dining experience; it’s a cultural hub.The establishment includes:
- A Restaurant: Serving authentic african cuisine.
- A Hair Salon: Offering traditional African hair styling services.
- A Grocery Store: Selling African foods, spices, and ingredients.
- A basement bar: Designed for dancing, gatherings, and traditional African evenings.
Who are the owners of Bivic Restaurant?
The restaurant is owned and operated by sisters Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha. They immigrated to Granby from the Republic of Congo in 2012.
What inspired Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha to open Bivic Restaurant?
The sisters identified a need for a dedicated African restaurant in Granby. According to Victorine Kosha, there was simply no such establishment in the area before Bivic.
How did the sisters overcome the challenges of opening Bivic Restaurant?
Opening Bivic Restaurant was a journey filled with challenges. The sisters faced administrative and financial hurdles, especially since it was their first business venture in Canada. They secured the lease for their Main Street location and invested considerable time and resources into renovations. According to Victorine Kosha, they did all the work themselves.Their resilience and unwavering support for each other played a crucial role in overcoming the obstacles.
How does Bivic Restaurant contribute to Granby’s community?
The restaurant contributes to the growing cultural diversity in Granby.The owners hope to attract both the immigrant community and Quebecers eager to explore new flavors.
The menu features a variety of dishes. Some of the highlights include braised fish with Attiéké (cassava couscous), fried banana, ndolé (bitter leaves stew), cassava sticks, and several chicken dishes. Additionally, there are unique African mocktails for customers to enjoy.
Can I buy African ingredients at Bivic?
yes, Bivic also has a grocery store that offers a variety of African foods, spices, and ingredients. This allows customers to recreate the Bivic experience at home.
What are the owners’ hopes for the future of Bivic Restaurant?
The sisters are optimistic about the future of their business. They envision Bivic as a welcoming space that combines discovery, enjoyment, and hospitality. They believe their Christian faith will guide them through the challenges.
Key Features of Bivic Restaurant
Here’s a concise summary of what Bivic Restaurant has to offer:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Authentic African cuisine from across the continent. |
| Additional Services | hair salon offering African hair styling services. Grocery store with African foods and spices. |
| Ambiance | Welcoming and designed for discovery, enjoyment, and hospitality. Basement bar for gatherings. |
| Location | Located at 181 rue Principale, Granby. |
| owners | Bibiche Bello and Victorine Kosha, sisters from the Republic of Congo. |