A Taste of Home: The Al-Safari and Hogan Family Brings Global Flavors and Community Spirit to Fredericksburg

Photo by Karen Presecan &

When Senna Al-Safari and Robbie Hogan decided to make Fredericksburg their home, they weren't just looking for a place to live—they were searching for a community. What they found in Fredericksburg exceeded their expectations, becoming the foundation for both their family life and their mobile catering business.

"We moved here because we love the community, the people, and the diversity celebrated around us," Senna explains. For this family, Fredericksburg isn't just a convenient location but a place that embodies the values they hold dear.

Senna and Robbie's journey together spans over 15 years of friendship and four years of marriage. Their partnership extends beyond their personal lives into a shared business venture that reflects Senna's passion for cooking. After spending years working in IT, Senna made a bold career change. "I studied IT and worked in it for 15 years, felt something was still missing, and switched to my original passion for cooking," she shares.

That passion led to the creation of Shawarma Rama, a catering company that has become a beloved fixture in the local community. The business is guided by a clear philosophy: serve authentic food prepared fresh daily with farm-stand produce bought on arrival, use only halal meats with everything made in-house, and infuse every dish with a sense of heritage that honors their roots. These core values shape every decision, from sourcing ingredients to crafting each menu item.

Senna channels Yemeni-infused family recipes passed down through generations, guided by her stepfather, Chef Elamir Oraby. This fusion of tradition and expertise turns classic shawarma into what Senna calls "a flavor road trip." Each dish is an invitation to experience her heritage, her family's story, and the culinary traditions that have shaped her cooking.

Beyond their business, the family also engages with neighbors on a broader scale. Through their participation in the farmers market and the chamber of commerce, they've woven themselves into the fabric of the community.

"Being part of the farmers market and the chamber of commerce has connected us to various community events and connections. We are always honored to be invited to host community events and– small fact about us: we only do local events from Stafford to Fredericksburg," Senna proudly notes.

This commitment to staying local is not just a business strategy but a philosophy. As she emphasizes, "Our mission is to stay as local as possible from the resources and services we provide as well." Building on this focus, whether it's sourcing ingredients or choosing which events to cater, the family prioritizes supporting and serving their immediate community.

For the Al-Safari and Hogan family, Fredericksburg offers everything they need. When asked about travel, Senna's response perfectly captures their contentment: "We don't travel, I know it's boring, but who needs to go anywhere when we have this rich, vibrant town?" Their favorite local activities include visiting the Rappahannock River in summer to swim, grill, and relax, and enjoying the unexpected charms of their adopted hometown, such as discovering that the local mall houses a police station, library, and post office. "It felt like a cartoon movie to us and gave us a small town feeling," Senna recalls.

The family's generosity extends beyond their business endeavors. Their hobbies—camping, being in nature, and outdoor cooking—align perfectly with their charitable spirit. "We love to share our food with homeless shelters, firestations, and places of worship," Senna says, demonstrating how food serves as their way of giving back.

The Al-Safari and Hogan household is a lively one, complete with Rumi, their nearly six-year-old pit mix named after the famous poet. "She is a COVID baby, so she's almost 6, but still a baby," Senna laughs. Their son Abdul is graduating from Chancellor High School this year, where he spent four years on the wrestling team. Now, he's working toward becoming a firefighter, continuing the family's tradition of community service.

According to Senna and Robbie, what makes their neighborhood special is its diversity and sense of community. "We enjoy accessibility to tons of resources and the small community that's always willing to step up and help. Our neighbors are amazing, they come from different backgrounds and generations, it's like a village," she reflects.

To their neighbors and the broader Fredericksburg community, Senna offers a heartfelt message: "Thank you for welcoming us and letting us share a piece of who we are with you through our food." She also shares a quote from celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain that encapsulates her philosophy: "When someone cooks for you, they are saying something. They are telling you about themselves: where they come from, who they are, what makes them happy."

For the Al-Safari and Hogan family, every dish they prepare is an invitation to know them better—and a delicious expression of gratitude for the community that has embraced them as their own.

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To learn more about Shawarma Rama visitramafxbg.com, or feel free to call 202-905-3771 or emailshawarmafxbg@gmail.comfor inquiries and booking.