The Nation Newspaper

Tag: restaurant

  • Burger King launches Africa’s first shipping container drive-thru restaurant

    Burger King launches Africa’s first shipping container drive-thru restaurant

    Burger King Nigeria has made a historic leap in the fast-food sector by inaugurating Africa’s first shipping container drive-thru restaurant. This innovative establishment, situated on Toyin Street, marks a significant milestone for the brand, becoming its 21st outlet in Nigeria and providing customers with a unique and convenient dining experience.

    Rushdi Ibrahim, Managing Director and CEO of Allied Foods and Confectionery Services Limited, which operates Burger King in Nigeria, highlighted that this novel approach to restaurant design is a strategic response to the country’s economic environment. “We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the fast food industry in Africa. Our new shipping container drive-thru restaurant is proof of our commitment to providing our customers with a world-class dining experience,” he stated. The design features two 40-foot containers on the ground level and two 20-foot containers on the first level, facilitating a seamless drive-thru experience while offering ample space for customers who wish to dine in.Ibrahim reiterated that utilizing shipping containers was not only cost-effective but also an efficient way to expand operations rapidly. “This was a test for us, and it was successful,” he added.

    The new restaurant serves as a catalyst for job creation and community development, generating numerous employment opportunities both directly and indirectly through its supply chain. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of accessibility, noting that the Toyin Street location was selected due to its busy intersection and high foot traffic. “This location is a pet project for me,” he explained, recalling his initial impressions of the area upon arriving in Nigeria.Since entering the Nigerian market in 2021, Burger King has experienced remarkable growth, opening 21 restaurants within just 36 months. The company plans to launch its 22nd outlet before year-end, underscoring its commitment to delivering quality food to Nigerians. “Nigeria is the largest Burger King market in West Africa,” Ibrahim stated.

    As part of its growth strategy, Burger King Nigeria aims to enhance customer experiences by introducing new concepts such as play areas for children and themed promotions. Ibrahim highlighted their focus on affordability without compromising quality: “We’re pushing for branded affordability, making our premium burgers accessible without being cheap.”The company is also dedicated to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development through job creation and community service initiatives, including scholarships.

    Moses Otegbayo, Chief Financial Officer of Allied Foods and Confectionery Services Limited, noted that flexibility is essential in navigating economic environment while maintaining operational efficiency.

    Burger King Nigeria is committed to sustainability, with plans to power its restaurants using solar energy. Otegbayo mentioned that this new restaurant was initially designed to be fully powered by renewable energy sources with zero emissions. “This restaurant was meant to be the first fully green restaurant,” he stated. Though we couldn’t achieve that here owing to space constraints, plans are in place to soon have a prototype built with renewable energy.

    As Burger King Nigeria continues its innovative trajectory and expansion efforts, it remains focused on delivering quality service while actively engaging with local communities. With its commitment to affordability, sustainability, and community development, Burger King Nigeria is poised for continued success in shaping the fast-food landscape in the region.

  • Abuja Restaurant tackles Bolt, other over unfair practices

    Abuja Restaurant tackles Bolt, other over unfair practices

    • Petitions anti-trust commission

    A fast-growing restaurant in Abuja, Amala360 has petitioned the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), over allegations of unfair business practices against Bolt Nigeria.

    The restaurant complained that Bolt Nigeria was engaged in misleading business practices that have adversely affected the operations of the restaurant.

    Chairman, Amala360, Mr. Sebagen Noboh, in a formal complaint addressed to the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, decried what he described as deliberate and harmful practices by Bolt Nigeria, which have affected the restaurant’s operations.

    The crux of the matter revolves around Bolt’s alleged manipulation of its car hailing platform, where customers seeking transportation to Amala360 are inexplicably directed to a competitor’s establishment.

    Noboh said, “Customers attempting to order a ride to Amala360 via the Bolt platform are presented with only one option for their destination: a competitor’s restaurant

    “This occurrence has caused confusion among our loyal customers, many of whom have mistakenly assumed that we have changed our name, location, and, by extension, our culinary offerings.”

     Noboh said the orchestrated misdirection has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Amala360’s loyal patrons, who find themselves unwittingly diverted to a rival eatery.

    According to him, the misdirection is no mere glitch in Bolt’s algorithm but a calculated move to undermine Amala360’s reputation and disrupt its business.

    He noted that with a history spanning five years at their current location, Amala360 asserts its firm establishment within the culinary landscape of Abuja.

    The petition noted that the recent emergence of the competitor, a mere six weeks prior, does little to justify Bolt’s favouritism towards the newcomer, especially considering Amala360’s continued dominance on other mobility platforms and search engines.

    Read Also: Lagos Police warn intending protesters against road blocks

    The fallout from Bolt’s actions has been severe, it insisted, with Amala360 suffering significant financial losses and enduring reputational damage.

    Noboh said that disheartened customers, misled by Bolt’s platform, arrive at the competitor’s doorstep instead of their intended destination, only to realize their mistake and express their disappointment, further sullying Amala360’s image.

    In light of these grievances, Amala360 demanded swift and decisive action from the FCCPC.

    It urged the commission to launch a thorough investigation into Bolt’s practices, insisting that the company be held accountable for its deceptive conduct. Furthermore, Amala360 seeks reparations for the financial losses incurred as a direct result of Bolt’s actions.

  • Restaurant, resort managers assure on service delivery

    Restaurant and resort owners in Lagos State have expressed their commitment to deliver topnotch service to customers as part of adding value to the hospitality sub-sector.

    Giving this assurance recently was the management of 2wenty2 Hospitality And Allied Services Limited Company, which specialises in management and consulting services.

    Yvonne Mordi, a hospitality management expert, who spoke with our correspondent ahead of The Hospitality Industry Conference (THIC), tagged: ‘The New Frontier for Hospitality Enterprises’ scheduled to hold at the Landmark Towers, Oniru, said: “The conference seeks to bring together experts from various sectors to discuss real issues and exchange views on the future of the hospitality industry. It intends to provide a rich platform for growth, development, network and the need to hone the right skills set, and to connect industry peers, educate hospitality entrepreneurs, share ideas, address topics and trends on what’s new and what’s next.”

    Justifying the need for the conference, she said: “Truth be told, the hospitality industry in Nigeria has not been above board especially in the last decade as it has suffered gravely in the hands of unskilled operators and non-professionals who lack the requisite skills and mental perspicacity in delivering excellent services to its starved customers.”

    The keynote speaker for the event is Emmanuel Ele, managing director /chief executive officer,  Regions Hotels Limited and other guest speakers are Moyo Okusanya, director of Marketing, Marriott International Hotels in Nigeria, Florence Olumodimu, founder/consultant, Life Developers Network and  Mordi.

    The panelists include Osaze Osemwegie, Founder/International President, African Networking Hospitality Professionals, Olufunke Adebayo-Oginni, Managing Director, Miclouchris Limited, Ugaze Ude-Kalu, Restaurant Visibility Builder, Founder “Your Foodgeek”, Friday Oyom-Egba, Resort Manager, Jubilee Chalets and  Lauretta Togonu- Bickersteth.

  • Orchid Restaurant gets Thailand’s endorsement

    Orchid Restaurant gets Thailand’s endorsement

    The newly inaugurated Orchid House Restaurant on Victoria Island in Lagos has received Thailand government’s endorsement for its Thai cuisine.

    Tagged: Thai Select Premium Certificate, the endorsement is a stamp of recognition for Orchid House as one of the few restaurants in the world, where authentic Thai cuisine is served.

    Since 1960s, Thai cuisine, renowned for its incredible combination of tastes, has become a global sensation.

    There are approximately 15,000 Thai restaurants around the world. But due to the cuisine’s surging popularity, many restaurateurs have been trying to attract customers by naming their business ‘Thai restaurant’.

    Despite this, many of them do not even have Thai food on their menus.

    Recognising this situation and the importance of maintaining a high standard and quality of Thai food, the Royal Thai Government launched the “Thai Select” programme, with the aim of certifying and promoting restaurants that serve authentic Thai cuisines across the world.

    Thai food lovers only need to look out for the ‘Thai Select’ stamp of approval to confirm they are getting authentic Thai service.

    Penultimate Tuesday, Orchid House, which is situated on Gafaru Animashaun Street on Victoria Island, joined the few restaurants across the world to receive the Thai Select Premium certification.

    Thailand’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Wattana Kunwongse, who presented the certificate to Orchid’s founder, Mattanee Booncharoen, described the restaurant as a home of Thai people.

    Kunwongse said: “I don’t feel alienated. I am, right now, standing in another country while still in Nigeria. I feel that I am home. It’s a very beautiful setting. My colleagues came here last year and had a taste. They confirmed that this is authentic Thai food.”

    The envoy described Thai cuisine as a combination of India and Chinese delicacies.

    He added: “It was a result of Thailand’s ability to borrow from great cultures, infuse its own local contents and produce something marvellous. Thailand is located between India and China, and we call it the Indo-China peninsula. So, it is a kind of melting pot for the two great cultures – India and China. Thai food is the mix between Indian and Chinese cuisine and culture. That’s why Thai food is unique.”

    Booncharoen, popularly called Tukie, said she went into the restaurant business after watching Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis hit her import and export business severely.

    Tukie, a Thai, who has been in Nigeria for more than 20 years, said: “Nigeria is like my country already. I have lived here for so long, more than 20 years. So, when the foreign exchange crisis affected my import-export business two years ago, I started to think of what to do and I thought of starting a restaurant.

    “This award shows if you want to eat authentic Thai food, you can come here. And, look at the decoration and arrangement of this place. If you come in here, you feel like you are in Thailand.

    “So, apart from the food, you also learn something about Thai’s culture. Our goal is to bring Thai here.”

  • Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Labule, Nigeria-centric restaurant operated by an indigenous company, Roots Foods Limited, is offering real Nigerian local delicacies in a unique environment, which combines the setting of a modern quick service restaurant with that of an African setting of a local ‘buka’, has opened a new outlet in Lagos.

    The brand name, Labule, is coined from a Yoruba phrase, which means ‘In the village’. The idea of the business was conceptualised with the sole aim of catering to Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria, especially those who take pride in their rich culture and identity of which food is a key component.

    The new outlet, which was formally unveiled on last Saturday, was declared open by one of Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede. The formal opening was attended by a large number of guests drawn from different walks of life with a good representation from the world of Arts and Entertainment.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new outlet, its Managing Director/Chief Chef, Mrs. Binta Adisa, disclosed that the opening of the new outlet in Lekki was in response to the yearnings of Labule’s numerous customers living and working around the Lekki/Ikoyi axis of Lagos, who have had the opportunity to eat at the main outlet in Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

    Mrs Adisa stated that the new Lekki outlet is in line with the brand’s vision of promoting the best of food and culture. She also disclosed that since the Ogudu outlet opened in May 2014, customers have come from all parts of Lagos and beyond to savour the taste and unique experience that Labule offers.

    “Apart from serving authentic Nigerian meals with the touch of home cooking, we also provide an environment that makes you take pride in your culture. We will also be serving unique Nigerian snacks and fries. Beyond food, Labule is also collaborating with Bellaafricana, a key promoter of Afrocentric creative businesses, to sell quality products and accessories at the new Lekki outlet,” she said.

    She declared that the company is delighted to add to the culinary and cultural landscape of Lekki and its suburbs. She promised to make every encounter with the restaurant an unforgettable food and cultural experience.

    “We have received several requests from our customers demanding for Labule outlets in different parts of Lagos. But as a brand, we have carefully chosen Lekki Phase 1 at this moment as the destination of an extension of the restaurant,” she said.

    Adisa noted that the outlet would be providing food offerings that transcend the regular Yoruba delicacies, stating that cuisines from the Southeast, Southsouth and other parts of Nigeria will be available for customers.

    Commenting further on what customers stand to gain from the outlet, Adisa explained that it would be open for other activities that include meetings, culturally themed events, art exhibitions as well as book readings, among others.

  • Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Labule, Nigeria-centric restaurant operated by an indigenous company, Roots Foods Limited, is offering real Nigerian local delicacies in a unique environment, which combines the setting of a modern quick service restaurant with that of an African setting of a local ‘buka’, has opened a new outlet in Lagos.

    The brand name, Labule, is coined from a Yoruba phrase, which means ‘In the village’. The idea of the business was conceptualised with the sole aim of catering to Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria, especially those who take pride in their rich culture and identity of which food is a key component.

    The new outlet, which was formally unveiled on last Saturday, was declared open by one of Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede. The formal opening was attended by a large number of guests drawn from different walks of life with a good representation from the world of Arts and Entertainment.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new outlet, its Managing Director/Chief Chef, Mrs. Binta Adisa, disclosed that the opening of the new outlet in Lekki was in response to the yearnings of Labule’s numerous customers living and working around the Lekki/Ikoyi axis of Lagos, who have had the opportunity to eat at the main outlet in Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

    Mrs Adisa stated that the new Lekki outlet is in line with the brand’s vision of promoting the best of food and culture. She also disclosed that since the Ogudu outlet opened in May 2014, customers have come from all parts of Lagos and beyond to savour the taste and unique experience that Labule offers.

    “Apart from serving authentic Nigerian meals with the touch of home cooking, we also provide an environment that makes you take pride in your culture. We will also be serving unique Nigerian snacks and fries. Beyond food, Labule is also collaborating with Bellaafricana, a key promoter of Afrocentric creative businesses, to sell quality products and accessories at the new Lekki outlet,” she said.

    She declared that the company is delighted to add to the culinary and cultural landscape of Lekki and its suburbs. She promised to make every encounter with the restaurant an unforgettable food and cultural experience.

    “We have received several requests from our customers demanding for Labule outlets in different parts of Lagos. But as a brand, we have carefully chosen Lekki Phase 1 at this moment as the destination of an extension of the restaurant,” she said.

    Adisa noted that the outlet would be providing food offerings that transcend the regular Yoruba delicacies, stating that cuisines from the Southeast, Southsouth and other parts of Nigeria will be available for customers.

    Commenting further on what customers stand to gain from the outlet, Adisa explained that it would be open for other activities that include meetings, culturally themed events, art exhibitions as well as book readings, among others.

  • AQUILA GROUP OPENS 6IX RESTAURANT

    ADDING to its chain of services, Aquila Group, last Friday opened a new outfit, 6ix Restaurant, domiciled in Quilox Club, one of its subsidiaries

    At the grand opening of the restaurant, CEO of the outfit, Shina Peller said that the aim is to be a leading hangout spot in Nigeria.

    “I built the club from scratch, so building Quilox, I thought about how we would be able to utilize the building during the day because actually, all my companies have offices in the building. That was how the idea of a restaurant came about,” he said.

    According to him, 6ix is actually the sixth company in the Aquila Group. “We have Aquila Oil and Gas, Aquila Building and Projects, Aquila Global Resources Limited, Quillox, Aquilla Records and then 6ix. Our plan for 6ix is actually to make it a pan African brand. We intend to conquer Nigeria with branches in major cities. Then we can spread to other African countries,” he added.

    Also speaking, manager of the restaurant, Yewande Kudaisi said that the intention is to offer delicious menu and special cocktails.

    “What we have done is to introduce to special cocktail to Nigeria. As far as we have researched, we don’t have beer cocktails and candy cocktails in the country, so we infused that in our menu. We are offering nine different types of beer cocktails and about five candy cocktails, especially for the ladies. So over time, we will make our menu more interesting,” she said.

  • Two hit by bullet in restaurant at Hajj camp

    There was pandemonium at the Hajj Camp, on Airport Road, Ikeja,  at the weekend when two men were hit by a bullet.

    It was gathered that some policemen had sighted two commercial drivers fighting on the road while on their way to work.

    One of the fighters was said to have fled, prompting policeman to fire at him.

    The bullet missed him and hit two men who were eating at a restaurant in the park.

    The sight of the injured men was said to have angered others who went after the policemen.

    The policemen, it was gathered, fled and sought refuge at the Hajj Camp Police Station.

    The mob was said to have moved to the station demanding that they be brought out or it would set the station ablaze.

    It took the intervention of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to calm the crowd.

    The victims were rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

  • NEW JAMAICAN RESTAURANT OPENS

    RIDING on the #JamoAfrique hashtag has been trending on social media that got people asking questions, a new restaurant that will cater for the needs of Jamaicans domiciled in Nigeria has been floated.

    Named Jamo Afrique, the fun spot has been described as an Afro-Caribbean upscale restaurant, comfortably situated at Oniru Estate, Victoria Island.

    The restaurant is owned by pretty fashionista and serial entrepreneur, Fifi Umenyiora fondly called ‘Fifi Dilly’, the wife of Dilly Motors chairman Dilly Umenyiora.

    The stunning business woman who recently celebrated her star studded birthday gig in Lagos where she hosted some of Lagos finest personalities to a lavish party right in the restaurant has promised to make sure that Jamo Afrique becomes a household name associated with distinct quality and excellence service in the shortest possible time.

    “It’s been a long time coming but I thank God we are here today to show results of the hard work I’ve put in with my work and the fantastic support from my husband. From here on, it’s more work and dedication to build and sustain this new brand,” she said.

    She also revealed that Jamo Afrique parades a state of the art and exquisite furnishing with world class customer service, buffet, À la carte meals and premium drinks.

  • Chinese restaurant for Ikorodu residents

    Chinese restaurant for Ikorodu residents

    A new African and continental cuisine restaurant  has opened in Ikorodu, Lagos. It  offers exclusive services ranging from Chinese, African, intercontinental dishes and assorted snacks. And for residents desirous of Chinese meals, the outlet, Emperor, offers Asian dishes.

    “Who says Chinese meals is for the rich alone, at Emperor; we have decided to bring the “rich man’s meals” to everybody’s table and that is what we stand for- affordability, quality and availability,” said the chairman and owner of the restaurant, Mr. Abiodun Akinyele- Peters.

    The opening began with a prayer by the provincial pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church, Pastor Godwin Obadan.

    Akinyele-Peters said the vision and mission of the establishment are to redefine fast food business in Nigeria and reduce unemployment in Ikorodu.

    The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ilufemiloba, Adegorushen IV,   the father of the day, prayed that the owner of Emperor would get value for money. He thanked him for being part of the development of Ikorodu.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ijede, Mrs. Abaniwonda Tokunbo, who was at the event, spoke on security measures. She assured that customers would be safe because the edifice is close to Area N Police Station in Ijede, Ikorodu, in addition to two other stations around.  “Based on the agenda of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Oluseun,  if there is a place like this, there should be 24-hour patrol. We have about two to three police stations that are responsible for this place, so, put your mind at rest because we are 100 per cent sure that there cannot be any crime around here. The bad boys cannot take advantage of this place; they know that we have more personnel and this place would be secured 24 hours. I have made arrangement with the owner on documenting the number of patrol teams,“she assured.

    Akinyele-Peters said: “I am more than happy to see dignitaries honour me today. I saw the need for an exquisite place like this where people would come and enjoy. Seeing this kind of dream come through in Ikorodu, it is a wonderful experience for me and I am indeed, blessed.”

    Opened to meet the needs of Ikorodu residents and others, Akinyele- Peters spoke on what led to his opening a restaurant in Ikorodu. He said: “I was around this place sometime in October, 2012 and I needed a place to eat good food, but there was no single place that people could sit and eat good food. I, therefore, decided to meet that need, thus, the siting of Emperor Meal Limited in Ikorodu.

    To push sales, Emperor Meals Ltd. would engage experienced personnel to handle the marketing of the business. The restaurant also has a strong social media presence with its facebook and twitter handles always busy with encouraging comments from customers, who have patronised the place. Beyond its strong social media presence, the restaurant offers office and home delivery to customers, who cannot find their way to Ikorodu and would like to have a taste of its cuisines.

    On how the restaurant will stand out, Peters said: “We will retain our quality services; our meals will be consistent in taste. We are here to do business, leave a legacy and create reputations like that of international brand. We are not going to drop out.

    He went on: “A few years from now, we would have expanded to other parts of the country. We intend to have an offshore location through well organised, structured and managed franchise. The people of Ikorodu will enjoy affordable prices and loyalty promos to reward and compensate them from time to time.

    “Subsequently, as we grow, we hope to expand not only into other parts of Lagos such as Ikeja, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, we intend to extend beyond Lagos,” Peters said.