Adeyemi Okunowo
Founder Wingsville Grills
Hedges & Smith Plaza, 20 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
@wingvilleng / 08159727488
Can you pleases introduce yourself and tell us about your background –
Chef Tanq –
My name is Adeyemi Okunowo. I have a BSc. in Economics from the University of Leicester. I have been in food business for about 6 years. In the early stages, I was supplying offices with sandwiches for about N250 a piece; I had a grilled chicken shop in VGC for about 4 months; I was a GM at a catering outfit for a year plus and about 2 years ago I opened Wingsville.
Starting days for business including funding?
Chef Tanq –
I initially took loan from a Bank to start this business, the first money I paid for the build out was lost to a shady contractor, we were 2 months behind and all monies were spent. Originally I had wanted to build a fancier set up and in fact the plan was to be offering Pizza here and we even went as far as making an oven upon installation we realized it was the wrong kind of oven.
I knew i just had to open given the challenges. I had fully exhausted my savings, i picked up my phone and started calling my friends, a friend came through, i bought a black tent and i just opened. Chicken wings was really an after thought, this was the easiest thing I could switch to and i also realized that there was a market for this.
Can you describe your typical work day?
Chef Tanq –
I am up early, I start from my house to design and strategize sales and marketing campaign. When I get to the office about 11:00 am, I check stock, the environment, I am usually here till close at 10:00 pm from Monday through Saturday.
What steps have you taken to make sure your brand remains relevant and competitive in market place?
Chef Tanq –
I do my homework very well making sure my products come out in a spectacular manner. We have been consistent in quality, good customer service and quick delivery. We have 2 bikes and we offer delivery services as far as the mainland. We introduced ‘Orange Box’ campaign and this has been a great brand boost for us and has helped increase our event catering as well.
What would you say is your business strength?
Chef Tanq –
Good food and good service, that’s it.
Where do you see the brand in 5yrs- 10yrs?
Chef Tanq –
I am thinking of franchising or partnerships that increase our outlets.
If you were to expand, would you choose event or more locations?
Chef Tanq –
I will choose more locations, events are more stressful.
Can you tell us the most challenging experiences you have had?
Chef Tanq –
I would say that i am have been in luck in this business, everything has been smooth besides the fact that I am the marketer, accountant, i simply wear multiple hats in this business.
We did run a promo for Fridays that became very very overwhelming to keep up with orders and eventually service was delayed and customer complaints. We have stopped that promo and come up with better ones now.
Why do you think most food entrepreneurs fail in their businesses?
Chef Tanq –
Honestly, I think it’s due to lack of passion. Like in my spot, some days we make very little, but one still must stay working and hoping as long as it’s your passion. Your passion is what makes you stick when business is not alright, and it helps you to fight on until you win. You got to give the customers what they want. Most owners lack ideas of what the business really involves.
b) Don’t go into business because you simply have the money, your friend is doing the business and you think you can do it too and succeed.
c) I think some owners can’t manage their staff so they keep changing them and that doesn’t help business.
How do you treat recipes and intellectual properties?
Chef Tanq –
At first, I did everything alone. But when we started getting busier, I had to train my main cook on the recipes. Ours recipe is ours and unique, so no matter how my recipe passes on or gets copied, it can’t be like WingVille’s.
What advice would you give people starting up?
Chef Tanq –
Just start! Don’t wait till everything is perfect. Start, face the troubles, get it solved and move on to the next level. It is step by step, but you have to start from somewhere.
What advice would you give your young self?
Chef Tanq –
I would’ve started earlier… yes! With the same passion I would’ve started when I was even 5 years (lol)
Books and Resources recommendation:
Chef Tanq –
Blue Ocean Strategy
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Uncontested…/dp/1591396190
Key Points
- I do my homework very well making sure my products come out in a spectacular manner
- We have been consistent in quality good customer service and quick delivery.
- Your passion is what makes you stick through when business is not alright, and it helps you to fight on until you win
- Most owners lack idea of what the business entails – Don’t go into business because you simply have the money
