In the heart of the UK, Nigerian couple Michael and Abi Olaleye have turned what began as a simple act of service for their church community into one of the country’s biggest African food brands.
For years, they volunteered in their church kitchen, preparing hearty African meals after Sunday service. Their egusi soup, jollof rice, and suya quickly became a weekly highlight for congregation members. “People used to tell us, you should open your own place,” Abi recalls with a smile. “At first, we thought it was just kindness – until the orders started coming in outside church hours.”
From Church to Chain
In 1999, the Olaleyes left stable jobs in IT and teaching to open their first restaurant in Woolwich, spurred by rave reviews from their church community. By 2004, they began expanding, guided by a McDonald’s-scale vision.
Today, Tasty African Food (@tastyafricanfood) runs 27 outlets across London and Kent – 12 of them franchises – and generates £7M in annual revenue. Their reach now extends beyond restaurants with ready meals in Sainsbury’s, wedding catering, and a custom ordering app.
From their Thamesmead factory, the couple oversee production for both company-owned sites and franchises, employing around 250 people. Remarkably, the business has been self-funded from day one, avoiding outside investment to safeguard quality.
Serving the Nigerian Community in the UK
For many Nigerians in the UK, food is more than just sustenance – it’s a connection to home. Michael and Abi’s menu celebrates that bond, offering classics like:
- Jollof rice that rivals any back-home party
- Pounded yam & efo riro rich with flavour
- Pepper soup for those cold British nights
- Suya with a perfect peppery kick
They’ve even adapted some recipes to suit British tastes without losing authenticity – a move that has attracted curious locals looking to try something new.
Lessons from Their Journey
Michael says the key to their success was starting small but aiming big:
“We didn’t rush into a shop or big overhead costs. We tested our recipes, built a customer base, and grew steadily.”
Abi adds that understanding UK food business regulations was essential:
“From food safety training to proper labelling for allergens – in the UK, you can’t skip these steps.”
Looking Ahead
Now, with 27 thriving locations and a presence in major supermarkets, Michael and Abi are focused on scaling their brand nationwide. Their journey is proof that with passion, patience, and a pinch of pepper, a church kitchen dream can become a multi-million-pound success.
For Nigerians in the UK who dream of starting their own food business, Michael and Abi’s story is a reminder that sometimes your biggest opportunity is right in front of you – maybe even in your church kitchen.
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