Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that has become increasingly popular in Nigeria over the past few years. It is a type of wrap made with a flatbread called pita bread, and filled with shaved meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables, and a variety of sauces and condiments. Shawarma is usually served hot and has a delicious, spicy flavor that has made it a favorite among Nigerians.
The growth of the Shawarma business in Nigeria can be attributed to the influx of Lebanese and other Middle Eastern nationals into the country. These individuals brought with them their culture and cuisine, which has gradually become part of the Nigerian culinary landscape. Today, Shawarma is a popular fast-food item that is sold on the streets, in malls, and in restaurants across the country.
Nigeria is a bustling country with a rich food culture, and one of the most popular foods in the country is shawarma. If you are interested in starting a shawarma business in Nigeria, there are a few things that you need to know to make your venture successful.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start a shawarma business in Nigeria:
Conduct market research
Before starting a shawarma business in Nigeria, it is essential to conduct thorough market research. This will help you understand the demand for shawarma in your area, the competition, and the target market. Visit different shawarma shops in your area to assess the quality of the shawarma, the prices, and the customer service.
You can also conduct a survey to get a better understanding of what customers want. You can do this by creating an online questionnaire, distributing flyers or conducting face-to-face interviews with potential customers. This will help you to identify gaps in the market and tailor your shawarma business to meet the needs of your customers.
Develop a business plan
Once you have conducted market research, the next step is to develop a business plan. A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines your business goals, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. A well-written business plan will help you to secure funding from investors or financial institutions.
Your business plan should include:
Executive summary: This should be a brief overview of your business and should include your business name, location, target market, and financial projections.
Business description: This should include information about your shawarma business, such as the type of shawarma you will be selling, the ingredients you will use, and your business model.
Market analysis: This should include your findings from your market research, such as the demand for shawarma in your area, the competition, and the target market.
Marketing strategies: This should include how you plan to market your shawarma business to potential customers.
Financial projections: This should include your expected revenue, expenses, and profits for the first few years of your business.
Operations plan: This should include your operational plans, such as your menu, suppliers, and staff.
Choose a location
The location of your shawarma business is critical to its success. Choose a location that is easily accessible, has a high footfall of potential customers, and has enough space to accommodate your business needs. The location should also be in a safe and secure area.
Obtain the necessary licenses and permits
To start a shawarma business in Nigeria, you need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the relevant government agencies. These include:
Business registration: You need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.
Food business permit: You need to obtain a food business permit from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Health permit: You need to obtain a health permit from your local government authority.
Source for equipment and ingredients
To start a shawarma business, you need to source for the necessary equipment and ingredients. The equipment you will need includes:
Shawarma grill machine
Knives
Cutting boards
Stainless steel bowls
Gas cylinders
Chopping board
Cooking utensils
Refrigerator
Display counter
The ingredients you will need include:
Pita bread
Chicken or beef
Vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber)
Sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic sauce)
Hire staff
The success of your shawarma business depends on the quality of your staffs. Therefore, it's important to hire qualified and experienced staffs who are very good in making shawarma.
Set Prices
When setting prices for your shawarma business, it is important to consider your operating costs and the prices charged by other businesses in your area. You should also consider offering discounts.
Some of the challenges with shawarma business in Nigeria.
High competition: The shawarma business in Nigeria has become highly competitive, with new players entering the market every day. This makes it difficult for new businesses to establish themselves in the market. It is not uncommon to find several shawarma stands on a single street, all selling similar products.
This intense competition puts pressure on businesses to offer competitive pricing, quality products, and excellent customer service to stand out from the crowd.
Limited customer base: Shawarma is still considered a luxury item in Nigeria, and not everyone can afford it. This limits the customer base for shawarma stands, making it difficult for businesses to generate consistent revenue. Business owners must be creative in marketing their products and finding new customer segments to remain profitable.
Seasonal demand: The demand for shawarma can be seasonal, with peak periods during festive seasons or weekends.
This can make it difficult for businesses to predict revenue and plan for inventory. During off-peak periods, businesses may struggle to cover their operating costs and keep their doors open.
Food safety and hygiene: Food safety and hygiene are essential in the food industry, and shawarma businesses are no exception.
Foodborne illnesses can cause significant harm to customers and damage the reputation of a business. Business owners must ensure that their equipment is properly cleaned and maintained, and that their ingredients are handled and stored correctly to avoid contamination.
Regulations and permits: In Nigeria, businesses are required to obtain several permits and licenses to operate legally. This can be a tedious process and may involve paying several fees to different government agencies. Failure to obtain the necessary permits can lead to legal troubles and fines, which can be detrimental to a business.
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with an estimated population of over two hundred million (200,000,000) people. This presents a significant market for shawarma. Starting a shawarma business is easy and can help the investors to make tons of money.
