This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
Grilling Duo Revolutionizes Kenyan Barbecue Scene ¶
Published on October 29, 2021
George Githinji's passion for grilling dates back to 1989 when he was hosting parties in Canada, serving grilled meat to his guests. His wife's suggestion to turn this hobby into a business led him to partner with Patrick Karanja, a self-taught grill enthusiast, to start George Grill King.
The duo's unique selling point lies in merging American and local styles of grilling, using a combination of slow cooking and quick searing to achieve a tender and flavorful meat. They also experiment with different types of wood, such as Applewood and mbuyu (baobab), to add unique aromas to their dishes.
One of the challenges George and Patrick faced was adapting their customers to a pre-paid ordering system, where customers need to place their orders at least 24 hours in advance. However, this system has allowed them to maintain the quality of their meat and experiment with new recipes.
As their business grew, major alcohol brands approached them for collaborations and promotions. Despite the challenges, George and Patrick remain committed to prioritizing quality and innovation in their grilling techniques.
George's experience in grilling has taught him the importance of using natural trees and spices to add flavor to their dishes. He has also experimented with using beer cans to grill chicken, a method he learned from his nephew's Russian girlfriend.
Patrick, on the other hand, has learned the art of grilling through YouTube and advice from experts in the business. He has adapted to the new styles of barbecuing, using techniques such as browning and foiling to achieve a tender and flavorful meat.
