Fleeing the turmoil of the ongoing Russiaâ€"Ukraine war, they sought peace, security, and a better future for their families after the war broke out in early 2022.
'It was really hard for me as a citizen of Russia to acknowledge this,' James recalls. 'I had three kids, a beautiful wife, and we wanted to move on to a life of security and peace. And we found this in the middle of Africa, in Rwanda, Kigali.'
James and Boris arrived in Kigali in 2023. They spent the first few months exploring the city and understanding their surroundings before deciding to make Rwanda their permanent home.
'First three months, we just looked around to the left and right and then understood that we want to stay here. Rwanda is one of the most welcoming countries so far,' James says.
His previous experience of travelling extensively in 12 countries over eight years gave him a unique perspective on what makes a country feel like home. But he admits that it was Rwanda's warmth and sense of safety that convinced them to stay.
With their shared passion for cooking, James and Boris dreamed of creating something special.
'Me? I'm not so smart, to tell you the truth. I'm just a cook,' he jokes. 'But I love making something good, seeing people smile, and sharing that joy with others.'
The duo's dream led them to open Burger Bros in Kisimenti, which quickly grew from a small street cart into one of Kigali's most popular burger restaurants.
'We served over 200 burgers at a festival once. Even more, I think 300 burgers," he recalls.
Burger Bros' approach emphasises fresh, high-quality ingredients and handmade components, including their secret spice mix and signature sauces.
The restaurant's growth was fueled by teamwork and mentorship. Key team members like Jimmy Hakizimana were recruited for their dedication and talent.
'He used to cook for me sombe (Cassava leaves). I taught him a lot of the things that I know. Now he's a monster, a professional in our kitchen,' James says proudly.
Today, with 34 employees, Burger Bros continues to thrive while fostering a family-like atmosphere for staff and customers alike.
James' personal philosophy also drives the restaurant's culture. 'My mother and father would always say, if I did something good, they'd be like, 'Good boy, good boy.' I grew up with this notion. When people give me money, I'm delighted, of course, because I give it to my beautiful family, for school, for education, for food, for everything. But the main thing for me is the smile of the person. I want to feel the same thing as I got from my father and mother. It's as easy as that.'
Legacy is another central theme for James and Boris. 'I'm a simple cook, but I've always thought a lot about legacy. When we pass on what we know, the people we teach can share it with the next generation, and then the next. That's how we preserve what we've built. For me, that's a kind of immortality," he adds.
For the duo, Rwanda is more than a place to live; it's home. They are grateful to the government for creating a welcoming environment and hope to become Rwandan nationals one day.
'The message for the Rwandan government is, you're doing a good job. We love you guys. Keep it up. We want more of this. And the second one is, we want the nationality. We want to be Rwandans. Mr. Kagame, president number one. We're waiting for you at Burger Bros. Karibu. Murakaza neza (welcome),' James says with a smile.
Watch the full video below.
Rania Umutoni
