Building a restaurant chain in Nigeria: The story of Toasties
Eka Obaigbena noticed a gap in Nigeria’s restaurant market for the fast-casual chains she had grown accustomed to while living overseas.
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Interview with Eka Obaigbena
FOUNDER, TOASTIES
Lives in: Lagos, Nigeria
Eka Obaigbena noticed a gap in Nigeria’s restaurant market for fast-casual chains – such as Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Pret a Manger – she had grown accustomed to while living abroad. To fill it, she launched Toasties, which offers sandwiches, salads and other items that blend local ingredients with international flavour profiles. How we made it in Africa editor-in-chief Jaco Maritz spoke to her about leaving Michelin-starred kitchens overseas to build the business in Lagos.
Topics discussed during the interview include:
The differences between operating a restaurant in Nigeria and the West
Stepping into the spotlight as an introverted founder
Navigating loneliness in the early days
How Lagos’ dining culture has evolved
What she would do differently if starting the business again
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