It was the surreal hour of 3 a.m. in November 2020 when Zakariya Sayid reached out to his dad with life-altering news. Over a crackling phone line, he revealed their intention to let go of The Horn, a beloved establishment they had set up in tribute to his father in 2014.
His father, Hassan Rasul, was far away in Somalia, tending to his own mother at that very moment. Despite the distance, the news hit him hard.
The café, located at 619 Murfreesboro Pk., was already wrestling with challenges, made worse by the pandemic. Finding its foothold in a bustling market was no walk in the park.
“When we were on the brink of selling, we ran on empty, fraught with emotion and inexperience,” Sayid expressed. “The next day was meant for signing. By nightfall, we had all nodded in agreement. The contract lay ready. My plan was to sell, stroll away, and gather whatever coins were left.”
During that conversation, Rasul implored, “We invested years, battled every storm, why not try once more? Just once more, my son.”
Over the past ten years, The Horn garnered fame for its irresistible Sambusas and aromatic chai.
On the dawn after their decision reversal, Zakariya, alongside his brothers Ahmed and Mohamed, resolved there was no path but forward—making The Horn a lasting success was non-negotiable.
Faithful patrons initiated a GoFundMe, showing their unwavering support. The Horn always enjoyed community backing, from moral boosting to financial aid, with one significant gesture in 2017 when entrepreneur Salah Ayesh floored them with an interest-free loan for their renovation needs.
Mohamed shared, “First thing, we hiked the prices. We pondered over strategies, asking ourselves, ‘What could set us apart?’ We honed in on sambusas and chai. Come summer of 2021, we ventured into farmers markets. Rounded up my siblings and cousins, we hustled around the city’s markets. Totally maximized the exposure to boost our brand.”
Before COVID-19, non-Somali customers were primarily local folks or adventurous food enthusiasts. The Horn amped up participation across markets like Donelson, 12South, East Nashville, Madison—sparking interest and gathering followers.
Meanwhile, The Horn crafted unexpected sambusa flavors like breakfast, barbecue chicken, and a nod to Philly cheesesteaks, inviting even the skeptical to a taste.
They also ramped up their online game, establishing The Horn’s unique identity.
In a mere span of four years, The Horn swung from the brink of closure to eyeing Midtown for expansion.
Prior to the pandemic, the thought of moving to a more prominent spot with increased foot traffic simmered under the surface.
Ahmed explained, “The idea to move was there along, yet letting go of this place was complex. But it transformed into an ideal location, contrary to our initial thoughts.”
In the first quarter of 2025, The Horn will unveil its second spot at 2059 Scarritt Place, right by Vanderbilt University—a crowd they aimed to capture.
Though petite at 950 square feet, the new venue will still pivot around the production hub of the original locale.
Collaborating with Manuel Zeitlin Architects, they aspire to infuse modernity and Somali cultural elements in the Midtown location.
Ahmed reflected, “We’re deeply thankful for overcoming hurdles, and now we’re ready for the next chapter. Our ultimate aim? Reach more in Middle Tennessee yet remain tightly woven into the Nashville experience. The city’s vibe is recognized nationwide, so being part of that tourism allure is cool.”
While Ahmed and Zakariya hail from East Africa, their upbringing was in East Nashville, studying at Tennessee State University. Now, they’re proud Nashville entrepreneurs.
“We’re as Nashville as it gets,” declared Ahmed with pride.
The Horn’s growth trajectory is geared towards creating a cozy haven for all to savor splendid edibles and drinks.
Zakariya observed, “It’s a stellar example of cross-cultural harmony, drawing in folks from myriad backgrounds. This inclusivity thrives here, unlike any other café nowadays.”
Ahmed agreed, “Relationships and community have been our constant through every twist and turn.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
