[Startup Interview] Odimbite Odimbite, Co-Founder, Metrodelight Foods, Lagos
Metrodelight Foods is a fast food chain restaurant, founded in 2014 in Lagos, Nigeria. Africa Business Communities interviews one of its founders, Odimbite Odimbite:
Could you introduce Metrodelight Foods?
Metrodelight Foods Limited is a one-stop Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), a fast food chain established in Lagos, Nigeria. We hygienically prepare and sell nutritious home grown tasty continental meals, African foods, appetizing snacks and confectioneries as eat-in, take-away or event place deliveries format. Our environment is cozy and entertaining with space for children parties and family get-togethers.
How is Metrodelight financed?
The traditional method, I suppose – through savings and from associates who believed in the business and encouraged us along.
How would you describe the Startup Environment in Nigeria in terms of support that is given by the government and entrepreneurs?
Starting a company requires tons of courage. Government is perceived as not really supportive of startups because of multiple taxes, levies, rates and charges. Starting a company often looks like an invitation to everyone for a party and have free food and drinks. This is why an entrepreneur must be courageous to start and persist in running the company. Banks are cautious in lending to startups in the SME category because of their previous negative experiences. Attracting investors is sometimes challenging. Banks are cautious in lending to startups in the SME category because of their previous negative experiences. Attracting investors is also challenging.
What does Metrodelight need to be able to grow?
Metrodelight needs new capital investment to build and operate additional outlets. We have the knowledge, technology and capacity to replicate what we have developed and currently deployed.
What are your ambitions in terms of (international) markets and growth?
We plan to double our existing market share, explore and develop new markets with additional outlet(s) in Lagos axis.
We are considering African markets in the near future after we have covered more cities in Nigeria. We believe our business has a lot to offer Africa and we will accomplish this goal in good time.
What would you like people and companies who read this interview to do?
Give Metrodelight the opportunity to handle catering for their guests and for all functions in-house, at event places or as takeways. We would like them to place orders for our delicious meals and snacks and enjoy our hospitality and quality service.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses in Africa. Are you a startup and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com