The food business is one of the most lucrative businesses not only in Nigeria but in other parts of the world. Despite the increase in prices of food items and the hike in the economy, the demand for food keeps increasing.

Food is an essential part of surviving as a human. We need food for strength, to grow and live and lack of food can lead to various body deficiencies or rather death. Lagos state is one of the most populated states in Nigeria and the daily struggle of a typical Nigerian or Lagosian sometimes leaves little or no time to prepare a good meal at home. The way out of skipping home meals is by going to a restaurant or basically anywhere that food is being sold. This explains the importance of food to people of all statuses. With the advent of technology and globalization, getting food has now been made easier to access. From your place of comfort, you can order food online or call the restaurant, and it will be delivered to you. 

Selling food, generates a high income that is capable of sustaining one’s finances. In a location like Lagos, the center of business attraction and hustlers, be sure to make money by going into the food business. 

Types of food business in Nigeria

There are 5 major types of food business in Lagos, Nigeria. These are: 

Cultural Restaurants

There are people who leave their country to establish a food business in another country. The food sold here are food specifically from their culture. Nigerians now patronize food from other countries like Spanish, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Thai, etc. 

Fast food

They cook in large quantities and keep the food warm for the rest of the day. Their menu consists of a minimal list of food for customers to choose from. People come in to buy food to eat there or take away. They also render food delivery services. Examples are known brands like KFC, Chicken Republic, Pie Express and others. 

Buka

Buka is known for selling only Nigerian cultural dishes. They are known for selling cheaper and more affordable food, with dishes varieties depending on the location. They have less ambience with primary focus on providing affordable dishes. They are usually found in local areas and communities 

Classic restaurants

As the name implies, this is a very expensive restaurant with special seats for people of high caliber. There you can decide to buy a table to yourself and the ambiance of the restaurant is very comfortable as well

Casual restaurants

They are similar to fast food but with a more detailed menu and are more organized and comfortable for customers to relax. Example includes – The place, BukkaHut, and so many others

How to start a food business in Nigeria

Wondering how to start your food business? Check out this tips!

Have a business plan

Your plan should include the capital you have to start, the type of restaurant, your consumers, the menu, and your staff. All documents that might be needed for your establishment. Although, not all food business needs a license the type of food business and the location is a factor in determining if you need a license or not. Strategically planning your business would help you prioritize and focus well.

Find a Good Location

Getting a location is important to drive sales. Your place of business should be a place where what you are selling is needed. Know the kind of people around you and ensure you are able to provide answers to these questions:

• Can they afford to pay for your services?
• What kind of services would they want from you?
• Local or international dishes?
• Will there be space for parking their cars or relaxing?

All these factors should be considered while looking for a location.

Execute your plan

When all determining factors have been considered, you can go ahead to focus on your plan sheet and tick the boxes one after the other. To be successful in your food business be sure to follow these tips:

• Hire a professional to cook the food, no one would come back if their first experience is a salty food or stony food.
• Render good customer service, maintain your smile, avoid being rude, and politely turn down requests.
• Be hygiene. Your food, the environment, and the staff should be neat at all times. Aprons, hair bonnet, and gloves can be used for staffs.
• Be consistent in your deliveries. Ensure there is a consistency in taste, service delivery as well as time of readiness 

In conclusion, the capital for starting g a food business is dependent on the factors listed above. However, with the hike in food items, between 20,000 NGN and 3,000,000 NGN can be used to start a food business depending on the type of food business you want to establish.