Item7go: The game changer in QSR, feeding the nation, touching lives

When a new eatery opens up in town, it usually draws some curiosity. But when Item7go launched its first Ibadan outlet in May last year, after over a decade of success in llorin, it did more than just spark some interest — it was a phenomenon!

People flocked to the location at Ring Road, Ibadan, in droves. It felt as if a festival was in full swing. as if a town crier had sounded his gong from street to street, summoning everyone by a royal decree.

The scene was electrifying, the crowd was simply overwhelming. Social media buzzed with excitement, word-of-mouth spread like wildfire, and observers’ curiosity peaked.

Bachelors and students kept sharing the news in their circles enthusiastically. Children pleaded with their parents to take them there, and every passerby was captivated by the outlet’s sleck, modern architecture. It seemed everyone in town knew — a new culinary force had arrived!

Over the days and weeks following the Ibadan launch, there were talks and debates about the origin of the Item /go brand. Some speculated that it was a Chinese-owned brand, while others insisted it had Indian roots. Despite the varied opinions, most agreed that the brand seemed fur from being local.

However, after speaking to numerous customers, it became clear that the speculation stemmed from the brand’s unique presentation at all levels. If you ask about Item7go on these streets (like we did), you may discover that the name is now synonymous to high-quality, tasty and affordable meals.

Served in a sleck, eye-calching environmeni, every detail of the Item 7go environment and customer service all culminate into a grand experience for every customer, which readily makes most customers an evangelist of the brand. Even people who initially approached casually and with skepticism soon found themselves hooked.

As people continually flocked to the King Road (Ajeigbe axis) location in Ibadan, it became clear that Item7go wasn’t just about the hype. There was something real and special about them that kept the traffic growing — something beyond the imposing yet welcomin building, beyond the striking color scheme of black witi splashes of red and yellow, and still way beyond the greenery that adorns the exterior that is also beautifully complemented by a fountain.

Yes, beyond all that, the real magic happens in the food pucks.

Some customers shared their Item7go experience with Nigerian Tribune and one thing was consistent — they all kept raving about the food packs: Item7go’s Party Rice and Shawarma, both unparalleled in taste and affordability.

One customer, Ozile, who lives around Bodija, shared with enthusiasm: “I buy Item?go food every day. The taste keeps me coming back, and I’m glued to the brand. Even if they increase their prices due to the economy, I will still patronise them!”

This same sentiment echoed across the city as more outlets sprang up in key locations like Bodija, Ologuneru, Mobil, Ring Road, and Iwo Road. Each spot maintained the brand’s signature quality and atmosphere, drawing in new customers in their numbers.

It is no surprise that Item7go keeps growing. Despite having multiple outlets now in Ibadan, the city still can’t get enough.

Another longtime customer, Morosayo, praised the brand’s abilty to maintain the same standard across different locations.

In her own words: “How they maintain the same quality and portions at Bodija and Ring Road bafiles me. I really commend them.”

It gets more interesting as Oladapo shared how Item7go’s customer service and their excellent personal touch makes him feel important so that be wants to patronise the brand again and again.

“The staff at Item?go aren’t just well-truined, they’re genuinely welcoming,” he noted.

“Their staff smile at you as you approach. They know how to make you feel valued. It’s not something you often see in most quick service restaurants around here.” Speaking on the packaging and convenience, he said:

“The packaging is impeccable. Shawarma, for instance, stays neatly wrapped without spilling, a rare quality that most people truly appreciate.”

Temitope, who works with the brand through one of their delivery partners, said having Item7go on their platform has been a game changer.

“It’s sometimes stressful, but the steady customer flow makes it worthwhile. The demand shows how much people love the brand,” he said.

Even travelers, like Ambrose from Lagos, have become repeat customers. Stopping by the Ring Road outlet during one of his trips, Ambrose shared: “The taste is the same as what I had in Torin. How they maintain that consistency is amazing. I just wish they had a mini sit-out for travelers.”

As for the employees, they see working at Item 7go as an opportunity for growth and development.

A staff member, Habeeb, a cashier, appreciated the trainings in customer interaction and service delivery.

He said, “Smiling at customers, no matter what, has become second nature. The management ensures we’re always at our best.”

Even at the basic leadership level, Olamilekan, a manager at the Mobil Oluyole outlet, emphasized:

“Working with Item7go has been an amazing journey. It’s rare to find a company that supports personal and professional growth like this.”

And at management level, Nigerian Tribune spoke to Shola, a supervisor. Speaking on ochalf of the CEO, he said:

“Item?go’s mission is simple but powerful. Our goal is to feed the nation, not just with affordable food, but with quality meals. We are committed to maintaining our standards no matter how fast we grow.”

He said that this vision of “feeding the nation” is not just a slogan.

“It reflects in how we have managed to keep prices low without sacrificing quality. It’s a commitment to making good food accessible, even in challenging economic times.

“We want to be a neighborhood brand. The goal is to make quality food accessible to everyone, no matter where they live,” Shola explained.

It is this grassroots approach, combined with quality and affordability, that keeps the brand thriving. As the company keeps expanding all over the country, its loyal customer base remains its strongest asset.

Item7go has its eyes set on becoming a national brand.

With steady expansion plans and a commitment to maintaining quality, the future looks promising as the management aims to keep pushing boundaries, both in food quality and customer experience.

“Our success lies in staying true to our values; quality food, affordable prices, and community centered service,” Shola concluded.

Item7go’s growth is so rapid these days that a new outlet might just open somewhere close to you before you finish reading this article. The spread is strategic across diverse cities and neighborhoods, ensuring that no area feels overlooked.

As such, Item7go’s growth footprint is also fast becoming part of the city’s fabric. This is because as the brand expands, its architecture keeps dotting the landscape of the city, creatively and impressively, as seen in Ilorin, Ibadan and now in Lagos.