Kajani Roots’ mission is to bring people closer to African-Caribbean cuisine through our bold sauces and seasonings, which are rooted in flavor and made for everyday use. Crafted with premium, fresh ingredients, award-winning taste, and low-calories. Kajani Roots delivers authentic Afro-Caribbean flavors in every bottle.
Meet Charles Trokon Brewer, the founder and owner of Kajani Roots.
Born in Liberia, West Africa, Charles moved to the United States at just six years old, carrying with him a rich cultural heritage that would one day inspire a powerful culinary journey.
Kajani Roots began taking shape in 2010, after Charles visited family in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Inspired by the city’s bold and diverse food scene, he returned to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he resides, with a vision to bring that same energy and flavor to his community. Over the next several years, he studied local restaurants and lounges to better understand what was missing—and what Lincoln truly needed.
Starting in 2012, Charles worked as a line cook, bartender, and manager, all while maintaining a full-time job. This hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of every corner of the hospitality industry. Once he had built a strong foundation, he developed a business plan and partnered with a hospitality consultant who encouraged him to embrace his Liberian roots and incorporate African cuisine into his concept.
Charles then teamed up with his mother to modernize traditional Liberian dishes. Wanting to expand his culinary reach, he also taught himself Caribbean cooking—quickly realizing how naturally the two cuisines blended through shared spices, ingredients, and soul. That discovery became the foundation of his signature African-Caribbean fusion style.
In 2016, Charles launched his first African-Caribbean pop-up, selling out in just two hours—a pattern that would hold true for most of his events. The demand only grew, leading him to secure funding and open Stur 22 Caribbean & African Kitchen in 2017.
As the restaurant gained popularity, its house-made sauces and seasonings became local favorites—winning competitions and creating nonstop customer demand. Determined to bring those flavors beyond the kitchen, Charles gained valuable knowledge through the University of Nebraska’s Food Innovation Center and officially launched Kajani Roots: a bold sauce and seasoning brand built on culture, flavor, and the roots that started it
