OUR STORY
‘Akkoo’ is a word in the Afaan Oromoo language (one of the widely spoken languages in Ethiopia) meaning ‘Grandmother’.
The connotation of Akkoo goes beyond the mere word 'grandma'. It resonates with deep love, care, hospitality, and proficiency. I believe sharing the story of my mother, Elisabeth Kitessa Guma, who is lovingly called 'Akkoo' by her 23 grandchildren, would put flesh and bone to these attributes.
Elisabeth was born on October 8, 1940, in the then province of Wollega, Kelem District, Gidame Woreda, in a specific village called Buri. She lost her parents at an early age and was brought to Addis Ababa by her aunt, who is also a respected mother of multitudes, Yeshemebet Guma. She got her education at the then American Mission School. After completing her education Elisabeth married Hailu Diglu in May 1964 and lived happily married to him for 38 years. They raised eight children: five daughters and three sons. After losing her husband, she persisted resiliently and lived another 17 years. Hers was a fruitful and exemplary life!
Akkoo’s life is characterized by love. Her home is wide open to receive people. It is a place where many come to eat, fellowship, receive counsel, get encouragement, and experience her graceful generosity.
Visitors are graced not only with the words of her blessings and prayer but also with sprays of fragrance from her perfumes. Her presence had an undeniable soothing and comforting strength. People may come to her burdened, saddened, and confused. She would listen with a caring heart and ease their burden. Her special touch would bring encouragement. Her words built up and strengthened the feeble. Her humble approach had healing power to penetrate a broken heart.
Wherever she went, her eyes would always keep a lookout for the needy in all aspects: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her hands were ready to stretch to bring solutions. She was ever willing and ready to stand between the gaps in people’s lives. She had a way to conceal her good deeds and would never show it off. Whenever people tried to take advantage of her, she consciously allowed it — for the time being. She had quiet wisdom to put things back in order.
Akkoo Coffee not only wants to take the name with which her grandchildren called Elisabeth, but also aspires to adopt many of her life principles into our mission, culture, and operation. We want Akkoo Coffee to be a place where people connect, communicate, discuss, fellowship, and have fun! With the proficiency of Akkoo’s culinary experience, we want people to enjoy the best of coffee and our selection of delicious national dishes. We want the warmth and hospitality to be enjoyed by our customers. We are also dedicated to our corporate social responsibility to play a role in addressing holistic human needs. In such ways and more, Akkoo lives to honor Elisabeth Kitessa Guma’s legacy.