Betty’s Kitchen offers tastes of Ethiopia with an American twist

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Beth

Woledemeskel and Yidnekachew Berta brought a taste of their native homeland, Ethiopia, to West St. Paul with the opening of Betty’s Kitchen. The restaurant opened February 1 in the former dance studio at 1049 Dodd Rd., West St. Paul and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most of the items on the menu are traditional Ethiopian fare, but some have an

American twist. For example, kitfo, made with ground beef, collard greens, and homemade cottage cheese, has been converted into a burger. The couple also owns Intoto Ethiopian Market and Takeout, a business they opened in Rosemount in January 2022.

“We moved to the United States in 2012 so we could have more opportunities,” said Beth. “I started school when we came here, and my husband has always been into business. We love eating out and it’s our hobby to try different foods so we decided to open a family restaurant where people can bring their children and enjoy private time with their family.”

Not much remodeling work was needed before moving in, although a bar is expected to be installed by May. The restaurant shares its kitchen with Ghenet’s Bakery, which operates in the same building three days a week after Betty’s Kitchen closes. Ghenet owns the building and leases the space to Betty’s Kitchen.

Beth and Yidnekachew met Ghenet more than a year ago when they started purchasing her injera –Ethiopian flatbread – to use for meals at Intoto. Beth said they have since become friends with Ghenet and today serve her injera with spicy appetizers at Betty’s Kitchen. Yidnekachew be- gan working full-time at Betty’s Kitchen after it opened. They have other staff handling operations at Intoto.

Families looking to enjoy a night out will be glad to hear the couple has taken extra steps to cater to those with kids. For example, at Betty’s Kitchen customers may reserve a 10-seat VIP dining room that is attached to a kids’ playroom. Guests are encouraged to bring their own toys. The restaurant also has a 25-seat main room, and children receive crayons and coloring sheets in both spaces.

“We want things to be comfortable when parents bring their kids,” said Beth, “You don’t see that in most Ethiopian restaurants. None of them have that attention for kids, so we are trying to provide something extra.”

The married couple fully understands what it’s like to dine-out with children. They have three of their own, ages 10 months to seven years old.

The name “Betty” is common in both Ethiopia and America and the couple chose it to make the restaurant easily recognizable to people from both countries. For more information, call 651-330-6629.

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