Northwood News ♦ February 2014

Two Immigrants from Benin in Neighborhood Find Success

By Jacquie Bokow

Raymond Djissonon and Senan Goundjo didn’t know each other before they emigrated from Benin (“beh-NEEN”) to our corner of the United States, but in those two years struck up both a friendship and a partnership.

Embracing the American Dream, Djissonon purchased a Flippin’ Pizza franchise in downtown Silver Spring and Goundjo became his right-hand man.  Goundjo — whose boisterous enthusiasm has earned him the name Esperanza (“Hope”) — does the marketing.  The franchise is only the 15th in the U.S.

The friends share a house on Edgewood Avenue and wish to express their thankfulness to our neighborhood for its support by offering free delivery if you live in NFCCA territory (i.e., you receive this printed newsletter).

In addition, the duo will bring hot pizza in their catering truck to the February meeting so you can try their pies for yourself.

“The journey has just begun,” said Goundjo.   ■