The Chief Executive Officer of Sooyah Bistro, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin, has said dynamism, a good understanding of the market, cost efficiency, and consistency in offering quality are more crucial than ever for business owners and entrepreneurs not to drown in the present challenging nature of the economy.
Ogundoyin, who is the wife of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, stated this while opening the 10th branch of Sooyah Bistro, a Suya spot in Nigeria, on Ring Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking, she noted that business owners must adopt a variety of measures, exemplify creativity, and always offer better and newer options to customers to be able to beat the competition and cope with the very challenging economic climate.
Ogundoyin said: “The Nigerian economy is challenging, but with experience, we have been able to understand the market and how you need to change quickly to accommodate what is going on.
“We do reductions in prices and promotions, and we have options that are more affordable. We have a variety of different menu items that are cost-effective.
“As much as there is competition, it does not focus on quality assurance. There is a drive for newer, better options, so business owners must be known for offering better quality.
“Also, entrepreneurs should just start somewhere and start small. I started Sooyah Bistro with nothing. I started it with literally N10,000 to N20,000 worth of suya.
“We started a spa and supermarket in Lagos, and as we were selling outside, we went back inside with the same money to buy more stock.”
Asked about the drive behind the establishment of Sooyah Bistro in 2018, she said, “The drive behind this vision is to do things differently from the status quo.
“When I entered the business, Suya, as we know, was typically served the exact same way as the corner-side malam for decades. So, I wanted to come and bring in a twist, an innovation.
“What other ways can we eat Suya? Can we put it in burgers, shawarma, and sandwiches and find creative ways to really enjoy authentic and traditional cuisine by expanding the menu and improving service delivery?
“In five to ten years, Sooyah Bistro will expand nationally. We are going to be a catalyst for that growth. We are going to fast-track that growth for the next five to ten years.
“We also plan to expand outside Nigeria to Washington, D.C. We want to be a globally recognised brand that takes Nigerian cuisine abroad and is the biggest, fastest-growing Nigerian brand.”
The Oyo State Commissioner for Energy, Seun Ashamu, who performed the official opening ceremony of the Ibadan branch, praised the Sooyah Bistro founder for exemplifying the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic development.
Ashami said, “Sooyah Bistro’s expansion to Ibadan is a testament to the enabling business environment and the growth potentials of our dear state.
“As Commissioner for Energy, I recognise the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic development.
“I encourage Sooyah Bistro to continue providing excellent services and creating opportunities for our citizens.
“I also urge the management to explore ways to partner with our government to promote tourism and economic growth in Oyo State.”
The Oyo Speaker, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, in his remarks, praised his wife for the hard work and dedication consistently being put into building the Sooyah Bistro brand.
Ogundoyin said: “Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a new branch but the realisation of a vision to bring people together through good food and warm hospitality.
“Sooyah Bistro’s commitment to quality and excellence is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our state forward. I commend the team for their tireless efforts and congratulate them on this achievement.”
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