Pepperoni expands brand in Niger Delta

Pepperoni Foods Limited, a fast growing restaurant chain in the Niger-Delta region, has opened another mega service outlet in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where it started operations about eight years ago.

The new branch is located at Mbiama/Yenagoa Road in the state capital. It is the biggest of six outlets operated by Pepperoni in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross River states.

The infrastructure houses a fast service point, a full-fledged in-house secluded restaurant, upscale bar and ultra-modern photo studio. It is designed to accommodate warehousing facilities and catering training centre, part of the integration process being undertaken by Pepperoni.

Speaking at the pre-opening ceremony, which coincided with the company’s yearly Children’s Day party, Eric Idogun, CEO of the company, was optimistic at prospects, especially in Bayelsa.

Looking back to its humble beginning in a market previously dominated by others, it seemed an uphill task to create a niche for itself. But Idogun said the company was able to weather the storm “because of the uniqueness of its products and services.”

He continued: “The company gradually gained wide acceptance among various demographic strata, and soon became the preferred restaurant in its locations. From beginning, our objective was very clear – to provide quality and healthy food service to people in a warm and friendly environment. This vision has continued to drive Pepperoni, which is the reason the brand has remained consistent in its product offerings across locations.”

According to him, the third outlet is sited in Bayelsa because the state is considered ‘Pepperoni’s home.’ He said Bayelsans welcomed him with open arms when he was in the state to open business in 2005, a disposition that made him see the area as home.

“Here in 2005, despite absence of any record and collateral, the company took a risk and applied for funding from the state government under the Hospitality and Tourism Industry Funding Programme and received support for expansion from President Goodluck Jonathan when he was the governor.