//Durham’s Iconic East African Restaurant the Palace International Announces Sudden Closure

Durham’s Iconic East African Restaurant the Palace International Announces Sudden Closure

The family behind the Palace International | The Palace International/Facebook

The family hopes to reopen in a new location

Durham’s iconic East African restaurant The Palace International announced today on social media that their lease was not being renewed and that they would be closing on February 27.

The restaurant was founded in 1989 by husband and wife Maurice and Caren Ochola. The Ocholas had each come to the United States from Kenya to attend college before meeting, marrying, and settling in Durham. The original location of the restaurant became something of a local legend before sadly burning in 2001.

In 2007 the Ochola’s reopened the Palace International in its current Broad Street location, reestablishing the restaurant’s beloved reputation with the help of their children Moses and Suzana. Moses Ochola also went on to help found the Black Farmers’ Market.

In an Instagram post and video Suzana and Moses joined