We focused on quality and convenience, and our customers have stuck with us even as prices have increased,” Nneji says.
Future plans for FoodCourt
Despite the challenges, FoodCourt has big plans for the future. The company is looking to expand its reach beyond Lagos and into other cities in Nigeria. It is also exploring the possibility of launching a cloud kitchen model alongside its virtual restaurant model to cater to businesses that prefer to handle their own deliveries.
Additionally, FoodCourt is looking to expand its menu offerings to include more international cuisines to cater to Nigeria’s diverse population. It is also working on building partnerships with local farmers and suppliers to ensure a steady supply of ingredients despite the challenges posed by food inflation.
With a focus on quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction, FoodCourt is poised to continue disrupting the food delivery industry in Nigeria and beyond.
As Nneji and his team continue to navigate the challenges of pioneering a new business model, they remain committed to their vision of revolutionizing the food industry in Nigeria and providing customers with delicious meals at affordable prices.
With their innovative approach and determination to succeed, FoodCourt is well on its way to becoming a household name in Nigeria and a leader in the virtual restaurant space.
For Nneji, the journey has been filled with ups and downs, but he remains optimistic about the future of FoodCourt and the impact it can have on the Nigerian food industry.
As he looks ahead to the next chapter in FoodCourt’s journey, Nneji is excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. With a clear vision and a dedicated team by his side, there’s no telling how far FoodCourt can go in revolutionizing the food delivery industry in Nigeria and beyond.
FoodCourt, a Nigerian food delivery startup, has always prioritized the quality of its food and service to customers. CEO Nneji explains that while many businesses are investing in farms for backward integration, FoodCourt has chosen to focus on its core competencies to maintain excellence.
The success of FoodCourt can be attributed to its operational efficiency and financial sustainability. By using the same resources to serve all its restaurants, the startup has been able to reduce expenses and waste. In a bid to improve efficiency, FoodCourt made operational changes in September 2024, leading to the layoff of 100 employees.
Despite facing challenges in securing investments, FoodCourt’s acceptance into Y Combinator in 2022 and its strategic financial management have enabled it to achieve profitability in 2024. Nneji emphasizes the importance of prudence in spending and strategic decision-making to ensure the sustainability of the business.
Looking ahead, FoodCourt is expanding its operations to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, after operating exclusively in Lagos. The startup plans to focus on African capitals in the coming year, considering factors such as smartphone penetration and online ordering habits in each market. While the majority of food delivery revenues in Nigeria come from Lagos, FoodCourt aims to tap into new markets and introduce its unique solution to more customers.
In a bid to cater to customers looking for more affordable meal options, FoodCourt has launched a new restaurant. Despite the potential impact on average order value, the startup sees this as a way to attract more customers and drive growth.
While profitability remains a challenge for many food delivery startups, Nneji is confident that FoodCourt is on the right path. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the industry’s profitability but believes that the startup’s focus on operational excellence and financial efficiency will lead to sustainable growth. With plans to expand to other African capitals and a commitment to delivering quality food and service, FoodCourt is poised for continued success in the competitive food delivery market.
