‘No regrets dumping two degrees for culinary business’

Adetutu Adekunle, CEO of Bibi’s GrillHouse,has degrees in Biochemistry and Environmental Management from University of Ibadan, Nigeria and University of Surrey, United Kingdom respectively and found herself gravitating towards the culinary business. She attended the London School of Hospitality and Events, after which she knew she wanted to join the already crowded sector with an innovative niche in barbeque and grilled treats and creating gourmet of the regular Nigerian foods. She recently revealed to Rotimi Ige how she grew her business into a multi million naira business, among other issues.

What do you think of the rise in food fairs, festivals and competitions in Nigeria especially Lagos?

I think the rise in food fairs gives a clear indication of where we are in the food industry. We have evolved and we keep growing. Nigerians are typically adventurous. Just as we have grown in fashion, we have grown in food, developed capabilities in food plating and design and the use of local spices.

At Bibi’s Grillhouse, we held a #BoliFiesta last year which was a hit. It was held to draw attention to our ‘Boli’ which is an amazing variant of regular roadside ‘Boli’, that people are used to.

Tell us a bit about your culinary/entertainment outfit?

Bibi’s GrillHouse is an offshoot of Bibi’s Cottage catering company. We provide catering services for social and corporate events, schools and bulk orders for home use. We pride ourselves in offering delicious and healthy grilled and peppered treats.

How did you decide on your product/sector/service, especially on the price point?

Deciding on my product, which is largely food was quite easy. Cooking and various types of food appeal to me. I am very adventurous when it comes to food. Fortunately, I married a man who is very adventurous with food as well.  We are always looking out for the newest taste in town and we spend most Sundays watching the Food Channel (laughs).

I had always cooked for friends’ birthday parties from University of Ibadan days.  When I left paid employment, (I worked as an environmental consultant), I accidentally stumbled on an opportunity to cater to a financial services company because I had dropped off some food for a friend who was unwell at that time. It was an unplanned start to the business but from then on, I have happily been on the food train.

Setting up Bibi’s Grillhouse was a decision we came to rather quickly because it is an under-served QSR niche. Many Nigerians have joined the ‘fit fam’ wagon and now prefer grills to the fried foods that we are used to.

The pricing, however, is a different ball game in this economy. Prices have gone up significantly and I have had to review prices to reflect this harsh economic reality. We keep looking for ways to ensure that customers get value for every naira spent.

How do you build a successful customer base?

This is an interesting question because building a customer base has been largely through word of mouth/referrals. I guess I have earned the bragging right to say that a good product advertises itself. It is as simple as that. God, consistence, integrity and good service.

Has this helped you in staying atop the highly competitive culinary industry here in Nigeria especially Lagos?

The best way to compete is to focus on your strengths and sharpen them by acquiring more knowledge. Knowledge, indeed, is power. It enables you to be the best version of you. Always trying to outdo your previous record. This enables you to be excellent in all you do and makes you stand out eventually. Our food is like that, affordable 4-Star dining. What’s not to like?

What has been the biggest let down in your career so far?

The biggest let down in my career was when I had to shut down our first outlet in Lekki Phase one. We had serious challenges with our location and parking. This led to us taking the painful but right decision at the point. I have grown to regard it as my greatest learning point in business so far.

Top three female bosses in the world you admire?

I admire these three women in no particular order. Ibukun Awosika for her doggedness and her contribution to building young women, Tara Fela-Durotoye for standing by what she believed was her dream and building it into a successful brand and Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, who despite the loss of her husband, has kept pushing forward through her sorrow and has not allowed it to hold her down.

Talking about the big ‘R’ word, has the recession affected the restaurant culture in Lagos and ultimately sales?

Well, it really hasn’t. I cannot speak for the people on the fine dining part of the food business. But for our quick service model, we are effective yet affordable and fortunately, people must eat. (Laughs)

What’s the next level for Bibi’s GrillHouse? Say in five years?

We have expansion plans to other parts of Lagos and Nigeria. Plans to develop GrillHouse into a franchise brand. There’s also a strong focus now on empowerment of young people through subsidised training and internships.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself. Know you can do it, learn the ropes of your business. You need it to succeed. Be dogged and consistent.