Today we’d like to introduce you to Simileoluwa Adebajo.
Hi Simileoluwa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my business in July of 2018 in San Francisco as a Nigerian food delivery and catering service out of a commissary kitchen in the downtown area. It was the first Nigerian food spot in the city. Eventually, it evolved into a restaurant and we’ve had to evolve and pivot with the pandemic to become a Nigerian catering, cooking class, and entertainment company.
My Los Angeles activation is a pop-up with a private dining experience at a rooftop venue in the heart of downtown and a weekly stand at the Leimert park African marketplace and Drum Circle. I started the business at 23 (now I’m 27) and I really feel like I’ve found my rhythm and flow with the operations and what my customers like.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. There have been many obstacles and roadblocks but consistency and perseverance kept me going. In July 2020 the commissary kitchen I rented burned down with 80% of my inventory and equipment in it.
I had to reach out to the community for help to rebuild and thankfully San Francisco came through for me and I was able to get back on my feet again. I also dealt with having to close due to pandemic restrictions on restaurants and thankfully I was able to connect with a community feeding organization called SFNewdeal that helped me to reopen and feed the homeless, the elderly, and people with covid 19.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Eko Kitchen is a brand committed to sharing Nigerian and African culture with the world through food, music, art, and technology. We offer private and corporate event catering, virtual and in-person cooking classes, pop-up experiences, and retail products. We are known for our authentic African and Afro-fusion cuisine prepared by our head chef and owner Simileoluwa Adebajo.
We are most proud of our commitment to feeding those in need in our immediate communities both in San Francisco and Los Angeles through monthly food drives. When you buy from Eko Kitchen, you support both Nigeria’s and America’s economies because my supply chain for the business is partly in Nigeria.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something a lot of people are surprised by is the fact that I am a fitness enthusiast despite being a foodie. I am really passionate about eating the foods we love in the correct portions – everything in moderation!
My love for fitness led me to model and this has become a part of my skill set too. People are also surprised that I love to sing and that I have a beautiful voice. I may host an event where I perform for my dinner guests soon.
Pricing:
- Best of Cookbook – Digital – $20
- Private rooftop dining – $50 pp
- Event catering – $500 minimum
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ekokitchensf.online
- Instagram: @ekokitchensf; @ekokitchenla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekokitchenla/
Image Credits
Fasanmi Afolabi (2022)
