Business Strategy & Differentiation
- How will you differentiate your restaurant from other ethnic and international cuisine restaurants in Terrace?
Our restaurant will stand out by offering authentic Nigerian and African cuisine that is currently unavailable in Terrace. We will focus on bold flavors, traditional cooking methods, and a welcoming cultural experience. Our menu will feature classic dishes like Jollof Rice, Suya, Egusi Soup, and Pounded Yam.
Additionally, we will incorporate African-inspired décor and music, creating an immersive dining experience. We also plan to offer cultural nights, live cooking demonstrations, and storytelling sessions about African food traditions.
2. If new competitors enter the market, what are your plans to stay competitive?
We will continue to innovate our menu while maintaining authenticity. Offering seasonal dishes, chef’s specials, and rotating promotions will keep customers engaged.
We will focus on excellent customer service, consistency in food quality, and building a strong brand presence through marketing.
A loyalty program will be introduced to reward repeat customers.
3. How will you address any initial unfamiliarity of Nigerian and African cuisine among local customers?
We will offer sample tastings, a beginner’s platter (a combination of small portions of various dishes), and have staff educate customers about the flavors and ingredients.
Our social media will include videos explaining the dishes, their origins, and how they are traditionally enjoyed.
4. What strategies do you have to keep customers coming back after their first visit?
Loyalty programs offering discounts or free meals after multiple visits.
Personalized service, such as remembering customers’ favorite dishes. Engaging events like theme nights (e.g., Nigerian Night, Ghanaian Night), live music, and cooking classes.
High-quality food and exceptional service to create a lasting impression.
Marketing & Customer Engagement
5. What specific marketing channels will you use to reach your target audience?
Social media marketing (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) for food photography, customer engagement, and targeted ads.
Google My Business & Yelp for visibility in local searches.
Collaborations with influencers & bloggers who review international cuisine.
Flyers, posters, and ads in local newspapers and community centers.
6. What social media platforms will you focus on, and how will you attract online customers?
Instagram & TikTok for visually appealing food content.
Facebook for community engagement, events, and promotions.
YouTube for behind-the-scenes cooking videos and cultural education.
We will attract customers through giveaways, user-generated content (customers sharing their experiences), and partnerships with local influencers.
7. Will you offer sample tastings or promotions to encourage people to try your food for the first time?
Yes! We will have grand opening promotions, discount coupons, and a “first-taste” sampler plate.
We will also set up sampling booths at local events and farmers’ markets.
8. What marketing campaigns will you run, and how will you measure their success?
Introductory discount campaigns, giveaways, and referral bonuses.
Community-based marketing through food festivals and cultural events.
We will measure success through engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments), online orders, and customer feedback surveys.
9. Will you do anything related to Indigenous communities in your marketing?
Yes, we will collaborate with Indigenous artists and businesses to promote cultural exchange.
We plan to highlight similarities between African and Indigenous food traditions.
10. What types of community events will you host, and how will you ensure people participate?
- African cultural nights, cooking workshops, live music events, and storytelling sessions.
- We will partner with local schools, community centers, and cultural organizations to drive participation.
Operations & Staffing
- Will you hire additional staff, or will the three of you manage the restaurant alone?
- Initially, we will hire a small team (kitchen assistants, waitstaff). As we grow, we will expand.
- If hiring, what are your plans for staff training to ensure high-quality service and cultural authenticity?
- Staff will undergo training on Nigerian and African food, cultural significance, and customer service.
- What technology solutions will you implement for online ordering and delivery services?
- We will integrate a user-friendly website, food delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash), and a digital POS system for smooth transactions.
- How will you manage online orders and deliveries to ensure food quality and timely service?
- Strict packaging guidelines, insulated containers, and reliable delivery partnerships.
Supply Chain & Cost Management
- How will you source and manage the supply chain to ensure the availability of authentic African ingredients?
- We will partner with African food suppliers in Canada and establish direct import links.
- We will maintain a stock rotation plan to prevent shortages.
- How will you be cost-effective while offering high-quality meals?
- Bulk purchasing, seasonal menu adjustments, and efficient inventory management.
- Will you take any steps to make your delivery process more eco-friendly?
- Biodegradable packaging, reducing plastic use, and optimizing delivery routes to lower emissions.
- How do you plan to mitigate the effects of economic downturns on spending?
- Offering budget-friendly meal options, meal combos, and maintaining strong customer loyalty programs.
Financial Planning & Profitability
- Which local businesses will you partner with, and how will it benefit your restaurant?
- Grocery stores, event planners, and African cultural groups for cross-promotion.
- How do you plan to divide profits and losses among the partners?
- The agreement will be based on investment contributions and workload.
- What happens if a partner decides to leave?
- We will have a buyout clause and succession plan in place.
- What location are you considering, and how will you manage rental costs?
- Downtown Terrace or near colleges for foot traffic.
- Negotiate long-term lease agreements with landlords.
Customer Experience & Safety
- How will you ensure you’re serving authentic Nigerian flavors while appealing to locals?
- Offer mild and traditional spice levels and explain dishes in the menu.
- How will you collect and implement customer feedback?
- Surveys, online reviews, and direct feedback from customers.
- How will you ensure food safety and hygiene, especially during events?
- Strict kitchen sanitation protocols, food handling certifications, and allergen labels.
- How will you communicate allergens in your meals?
- Allergen menu labels and staff training.
Long-Term Goals & Vision
- What are your long-term goals, and how will you achieve them?
- Expand to other cities, develop a franchise model, and introduce packaged African foods.
- Do you and your partners have a shared mission and vision?
- Yes, to bring authentic African cuisine to Canada, educate people about Nigerian culture, and create a welcoming space for all.