…insights from entrepreneurs in the food industry in Nigeria

Episode 15 – Podcast Interview with the founder Nasco Grills

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@nascogrills / 07062426554, 07084518243

 

He has worked in the food service industry for 17 years, running and managing other people’s businesses. He realized it was time he built his own business, he took some strategic jobs to polish up on some skills then he made the decision to quit working for other people and open his own business…


Podcast Key Notes

Can you pleases introduce yourself and tell us about your background –

My name is Ahmed. I’m a chef and I run Nasco Grills as the Executive Chef. I have been in this industry for 17 years and I have managed people’s restaurants. 3yrs ago, I decided to develop my own brand – Nasco Grills.

Cooking for me has always been my passion.  At Nasco Grills we do pickup, delivery and catering services and about a year ago, we opened an outlet for our walk-in clients .

Starting days for business including funding?

The outlet we opened was funded by my savings. I have had bad experiences in the past  when I went to people for funding and they turned around to use my ideas. I had to start from somewhere so, I started out doing small chops with N7, 000 supplying to Diamond Bank staff.

Can you describe your typical work day?

It hasn’t been easy. I’m the head chef and I have one kitchen assistant and a dispatch guy. So it gets busy.

Where do you see your brand in 5 yrs- 10 yrs?

I see my brand become the best outlet for burgers in Lagos.

Why do you think most food entrepreneurs fail in their businesses?

Business owners in this space fail due to inconsistency and not keeping to standards.

“This business is somewhat seasonal, so there are times you sell and times you don’t. Truth is you have to pay your bills and staff salary so, when money comes in, you don’t spend anyhow instead save for the rainy days?

What advice would you give your young self?

Start early – start small. Go for fairly used equipments

What advice would you give your young self?

  • If you want to start a business, you must know what you want to do
  • Be certain of the area you want to focus on
  • Understand the pros and cons of the business proper
  • Don’t go into business because people are doing it and they are making money
  • You can definitely start from somewhere, you don’t necessarily need a lot of money to begin with.
  • Research, go online, and buy books and practice always. Do taste testing  before you scale up.
  • Learn from other and build a good team..

Books and Resource Recommendation:

The Theory of Hospitality & Catering by Andrew Pennington, David Foskett, Neil Rippington, and Patricia Paskins
https://www.amazon.com/Theory-Hospitality-Catering-Education-Publication/dp/1444123769

Theory of the kitchen

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/theory-of-kitchen-144836.html

Practical cooking by David Foskett

https://www.konga.com › … › Yakata Books & Stationery › Books › Books

Practical Cookery, 12th Edition: For NVQ and Apprenticeships by David Foskett and John Campbell https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Cookery-12th-NVQ-Apprenticeships/dp/1444170082
Weber Braai Bible by Jamie Purviance
https://www.weber.co.za › ACCESSORIES › COOKING
Key Points:
  • If you want to start a business, you must know what you want to do
  • Be certain of the area you want to focus on
  •  Understand the pros and cons of that business properly
  • Don’t go into business because people are doing it and they are making money
  • You can definitely start small, you don’t necessarily need a lot of money to begin with.
  • Research, go online, and buy books and practice always. Do practical and have people taste it before you scale up.
  • Learn from other people and work as a team.

 

Emeka is passionate about the Evolving Business Environment and the challenges bedevilling it. He is ardent and cognizant with the Restaurant Industry having worked in various outfits as a manager and consultant. He is presently working for BusinessFeverNg as the B.D.M and content editor.
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Emeka is passionate about the Evolving Business Environment and the challenges bedevilling it. He is ardent and cognizant with the Restaurant Industry having worked in various outfits as a manager and consultant. He is presently working for BusinessFeverNg as the B.D.M and content editor.
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About Author

Emeka is passionate about the Evolving Business Environment and the challenges bedevilling it. He is ardent and cognizant with the Restaurant Industry having worked in various outfits as a manager and consultant. He is presently working for BusinessFeverNg as the B.D.M and content editor.

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