SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has added a new title to his impressive resume: restaurateur. The four-time NBA champion has partnered with acclaimed Bay Area chefs Nelson German and Guma Fassil to open Meski, an innovative Ethiopian-Dominican fusion restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. The restaurant, located at 1000 Larkin Street, officially opened its doors to the public in March this year.
Meski blends the bold spicy flavors of Ethiopian cuisine with the vibrant, seasonal elements of Dominican and Afro-Latin culinary traditions, creating a unique dining experience. The menu features dishes like sambusas made with yuca and filled with berbere-spiced beef, alongside creative cocktails such as a berbere-rimmed margarita. Green, a key financial backer and the public face of the venture, has emphasized his goal to establish a cultural staple in a city where he feels Black representation is scarce.
Chef Nelson German, known for his Oakland establishments Sobre Mesa and alaMar, serves as executive chef, while Guma Fassil, who runs the 33-year-old Meskie’s in Berkeley, acts as managing partner. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Fassil’s late mother, Meski, reflecting the personal significance of the project. With its lush decor, live DJ sets, and a downstairs lounge for sports viewing, Meski aims to be both a culinary destination and a vibrant nightlife spot.
[Erin Ng for The Standard]
Green’s foray into the restaurant industry has been met with enthusiasm from fans and locals alike, marking a new chapter for the Warriors icon off the court.
