Fenton Café: The Story Behind the Crêpe

Nestled in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland, Fenton Café was founded in 2010 with one simple vision — to be different from the others.

Owner Goitom Tekie  and Meaza Gebru dreamed of creating more than just another coffee shop. He knew that the community didn’t need another Starbucks — it needed a local spot with heart, flavor, and originality. So, instead of the ordinary, he turned to something extraordinary: French crêpes.

From that idea grew a café that quickly became a local favorite. With sweet and savory crêpes, Ethiopian coffee, and smoothies made fresh to order, Fenton Café brought a taste of Europe with a touch of home. Locals fell in love with the warm atmosphere, the friendly service, and the scent of fresh coffee that greets you the moment you step in.

Over the years, Fenton Café has become more than a café — it’s a community gathering place. Whether it’s students working on projects, families sharing brunch, or friends catching up over cappuccinos, everyone feels welcome here.

As Goitom & Meaza often says:

“We wanted to create a place where people could relax, enjoy real food, and feel at home. That’s what Fenton Café is all about.”

With passion, dedication, and a love for good food, Fenton Café has earned its place as a Silver Spring staple — known by many as the home of “the best crêpes in Silver Spring.”

The Story of Engeda Teklemariam and Almaz Tefera
A Journey of Love, Perseverance, and Entrepreneurship
Engeda Teklemariam and Almaz Tefera’s story begins in Dilla, a warm and vibrant city in
southern Ethiopia. They first met during their high school years, where a friendship built on
respect and shared ambition blossomed into a lifelong partnership. From an early age,
Engeda showed a remarkable talent for business. While still in high school, he involved
himself in small ventures connected to the coffee industry, Ethiopia’s treasured export. His
curiosity, discipline, and natural business acumen laid the foundation for the entrepreneur he would later become. After completing high school, Engeda migrated to Nairobi, Kenya, accompanied by his siblings in search of broader opportunities. Not long after, Almaz joined him, and their love story grew stronger as they began their married life together. In Nairobi, Engeda continued to nurture his entrepreneurial spirit — running a small restaurant and engaging in various business activities. Through every endeavor, Almaz remained his steady partner, offering encouragement and helping wherever she could. After about five years in Kenya, Engeda took another bold step — migrating to the United States in 2003 to establish a
new foundation for their future. Almaz stayed behind temporarily to complete her immigration process. During those months apart, Engeda worked tirelessly, balancing two jobs while adapting to a new culture and learning American business practices. After eight months of patience and perseverance, Almaz finally joined him in the United States, and together they began building their American dream. Their shared vision was always to own a business together, but first, they both worked multiple jobs and saved diligently. Their first venture came to life as a Quiznos Subs franchise, a small sandwich shop. Despite their hard work, the business did not succeed financially — but instead of giving up, they saw it as a learning experience that would guide future success. Soon after, they became part owners of an Exxon gas station in Washington, D.C., expanding their business experience and financial stability. Still, their hearts remained tied to Ethiopian culture and cuisine. Both dreamed of creating a place where people could feel at home and share the rich flavors of their heritage.
In 2008, that dream came true. When Langano Ethiopian Restaurant, located on Georgia
Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, went up for sale, Engeda and Almaz seized the
opportunity. With their signature determination, teamwork, and community spirit, they transformed Langano into one of the area’s most beloved Ethiopian restaurants. A few years later, their success allowed them to open a second location in White Oak, Silver Spring.
Under their leadership, Langano Ethiopian Restaurant has become more than just a dining
place; it is a cultural landmark — a symbol of hard work, resilience, and the beauty of
partnership. Engeda’s entrepreneurial drive and Almaz’s unwavering support have not only
built businesses but also inspired their community. Together, Engeda Teklemariam and Almaz Tefera continue to embody the values that have guided them from Dilla to Maryland —love, perseverance, and a shared belief that no dream is too far when you walk together.

Ato Chernet Debele and W/ro Liya Akalu: A Life and Business Journey

Ato Chernet Debele and W/ro Liya Akalu are a dedicated husband-and-wife team whose lives and careers reflect perseverance, service, and an unwavering commitment to community. Their individual journeys, shaped by hard work and diverse professional experiences, came together more than twenty-seven years ago, forming a partnership that has grown into both a strong family and a thriving business presence.

Ato Chernet Debele was born in Sodo Seden, Ethiopia, and received his education in Addis Ababa and Kenya. After completing Grade 12 and four years of college-level studies, he built a rich and varied career. His professional path included roles as an hourly timekeeper, car mechanic trainee, hospitality worker, taxi driver, and eventually, private business owner. Throughout these experiences, one of his defining qualities remained constant: a deep commitment to helping and supporting those around him.

W/ro Liya Akalu, born in Wolkite, Ethiopia, also pursued her education in Addis Ababa, completing Grade 12 and two years of college. She gained professional experience in several meaningful fields, including her service with Ethiopian Immigration, roles in the hospitality and service sectors, and participation in humanitarian and relief efforts. Like her husband, she ultimately became a private business owner. Her work has long been marked by a sincere dedication to serving others and contributing to community well-being.

Together, Ato Chernet and W/ro Liya have built a strong and enduring marriage that spans more than twenty-seven years. Their shared values—faith, perseverance, and unity—have guided their personal lives as well as their entrepreneurial pursuits. By God’s grace, they continue to raise their two children in a home filled with love, purpose, and mutual support.

Their joint business efforts have evolved into a clear and ambitious vision for the future. Through their company, beginning with Kiya Travel, they are expanding into a range of interconnected business activities. These include travel and tourism services, assistance with documentation and administrative processes, import–export operations within Ethiopia, property management, and brokerage services across multiple sectors. Their goal is not only to build successful enterprises but also to create meaningful impact within their communities and the industries they serve.

The story of Ato Chernet Debele and W/ro Liya Akalu is one of resilience, partnership, and a shared commitment to growth. Their life journey reflects the power of working together, supporting one another, and pursuing dreams with determination and faith. If you’d like, I can also refine this essay further, adjust the tone for a more formal or inspirational presentation, or turn it into a speech-ready script.