Looking at the food business and the uniqueness it comes with, a brand has consistently retained the name for excellence, Eve After Dark. Chioma Nwakwesi is the founder of the 24/7 restaurant sensation, Eve After Dark, talks about her dream transformed into a thriving reality.
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Chioma, who previously worked as an accountant, has a knack for resourcefulness. Her life experienced a significant transformation following her marriage to Richard Nnadi, her co-owner and husband. Moving from a modest one-bedroom apartment, she found herself in a grand mansion. This marked the beginning of a new dream that started to unfold during this period of change.

Richard, once immersed in the entertainment scene, was ready for a change. Chioma’s idea of venturing into food was borne out of the need to create multiple streams of income; most importantly leveraging what resources she and Richard had.

Chioma pitched her vision to Richard, though initially met with skepticism. Undeterred, she took matters into her own hands. One Sunday morning, after weeks of discussion and without her husband’s full approval, she ventured to the Mile 2 market and invested N400,000 in foodstuff. This marked the birth of Eve After Dark on December 27, 2019 which now has branches in Lagos, Abuja and the recent feat in the heartbeat of the United Kingdom.
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To facilitate deliveries, they borrowed money from friends and acquired two dispatch bikes, along with hiring a driver. By January 2020, their team had grown to include the cook, an assistant, the housekeeper, the dispatch rider, a manager, and the couple themselves.

The business skyrocketed, thanks in part to Richard’s expertise in brand and marketing. However, just as they were gaining momentum, COVID-19 struck in March. Remarkably, the pandemic only fueled their success, as the demand for delivered food soared.

Yet, with success came challenges. Delivering food with their own cars to meet the overwhelming demand was no small feat. They also had to adapt to working with semi-literate staff, a new experience for Chioma, who had previously worked with professionals. Managing a small business requires 24/7 dedication, leadership, and the delicate balance of enforcing discipline while nurturing loyalty among employees.

Through perseverance and a commitment to enforcing rules, Chioma and Richard navigated these challenges, emerging stronger and more successful than ever. Eve After Dark stands today as a testament to their passion, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination.

In the words of Chioma, “Eve After Dark is not just an online restaurant; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when you follow your dreams and overcome obstacles with resilience and a dash of innovation.”

When asked for candid advice to everyone with a dream like hers, Chioma states; “Don’t do it for the hype of being an entrepreneur. Do it for the right reasons.” She added, “Having a realiable partnership, team, human resources and leadership from God helps.”
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