GANTA, Nimba County — When the fighting in Ganta ended in 2023, thousands returned to a changed landscape and a long road to recovery.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
Among them was Justina Yormie, the owner of Justina Bar & Restaurant, who turned hardship into opportunity and now runs a thriving food business that employs dozens.
Yormie traces the restaurant’s beginnings to those difficult first months after the fall of Ganta.
“After the fall of Ganta we started selling soup on the roadside,” she recalled.
“We used to cook different kinds of rice and meat and sell them from benches along the sidewalk at night. People would come, sit and eat. That’s how it began.”
What started as a small, informal roadside food stall evolved gradually. Yormie and her team moved from one small venture to another, expanding their menu and customer base until the business became a full restaurant.
Today, Justina Bar & Restaurant has a formal location and a sister site she says is already established in Monrovia.
The restaurant is also a significant local employer. Yormie reports she currently employs 30 staff members, most of them young people drawn from the community.
“I pay them regularly,” she said. “I give them whatever I can on time.” That steady payroll has become an important lifeline for families recovering from the economic shocks of conflict and displacement.
Beyond providing jobs and meals, Yormie hopes her story will inspire others who faced similar setbacks.
“We should be strong,” she told Front Page Africa(FPA).
“Although we’ve been advocating for our rights as citizens, we will not give up. We’ll keep pushing and encourage our fellow citizens to stay strong in business. When we build successful enterprises, the government will be encouraged to listen to our plight.”
Her message highlights how grassroots entrepreneurship can play a role in post-conflict recovery creating livelihoods, restoring dignity and rebuilding community trust.
For Yormie, the work is personal; it is about turning the trauma of displacement into a future of steady work and possibility.
Justina Bar and Restaurant sits prominently on Ganta’s main street and has become one of the city’s leading hospitality destinations.
Housed in a neat, easily visible building, the restaurant welcomes locals and visitors alike with a bright, inviting façade and clear signage that makes it easy to find amid the busy commercial strip.
Inside, Justina offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The dining area is thoughtfully arranged with comfortable tables and chairs, polished wooden accents and soft lighting that creates a pleasant environment for both daytime meals and evening gatherings.
Cleanliness and attention to detail are evident throughout: well-laid tables, fresh linens where used, and a tidy service counter that reflects the restaurant’s commitment to hygiene.
The menu is broad and well-equipped, combining popular local Liberian dishes with familiar continental choices to suit diverse tastes. Patrons can expect freshly prepared rice and stew, pepper soup, fried fish, and other traditional favorites, alongside grilled meats,
Customer service is a standout feature. Staff greet guests courteously, take orders promptly, and provide attentive table service.
The kitchen is responsive to special requests and dietary preferences, making accommodations for customers when possible.
During busy periods, the team works efficiently to keep wait times reasonable and to ensure that plates arrive hot. Justina Bar and Restaurant also plays an active role in Ganta’s Community Life.
It is a common meeting place for business people, students, and families, and often hosts small events and informal gatherings.
Its location on the main street makes it a convenient stop for commuters and shoppers, and its steady foot traffic contributes to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
Overall, Justina combines a welcoming atmosphere, a well-stocked menu, and reliable service to provide a satisfying dining experience.
Whether someone is looking for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner or a casual place to meet friends, Justina Bar and Restaurant remains a trusted and popular choice in Ganta City, Nimba County.
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