Olayinka Adedayo
Olayinka Adedayo: Fast Food at its Best
Olayinka Adedayo, the promoter and chief executive officer of Tastee Fried Chicken, is a woman of vision and foresight. She launched her unique fast food restaurant to fill the gap created by the closure of many such ventures which were finding it difficult to cope with the changing needs of customers and the tough economy. Also at that time, most other existing fast food outlets were offering declining services to their discerning clients.
So she seized the opportunity to provide the eating public something they desired but which was either unavailable or not adequately delivered to their satisfaction. In Adedayo's word, "the company is a child of vision". She thanks God for everything, especially the great success it has become today. The parent company, Tastee Pot Limited, was incorporated in 1987 but it started operations in 1989 with the set goal of catering for the personal culinary needs of top Nigerians who were organising events such as social parties and luncheons. At this time, one of its prime customers was Mohammed Gambo Jimeta, former inspector general of police, and later minister of agriculture. From the humble beginning and the increasing demand for her services, she decided to set up public outlets starting with one at the popular Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, it has become a melting pot for adventurous out-door eaters.
Adedayo started cooking at the age of eight. She first tested her culinary skill by preparing food for her father who enjoyed it and fell for it. She worked briefly at the Nigerian Ports Authority after her school Certificate Examinations before travelling to United States of America. There, she worked with the dietary department of Miami Beach Hospital where she had the opportunity of sharpening her cooking skills.
She holds a bachelor of science degree in finance and accountancy from the Chicago State University, United States. Adedayo prides herself in bringing in the concept of quality and service to the fast food industry. Tastey Foods' encapsulates its maxim under a tripod namely: quality, service and friendliness. The company relies heavily on good training of its staff for efficient management services to its clients. Her advice to young people is to move closer to God. "As a way of leading a good and successful life, you need to be honest distinct, unique and always be yourself," she surmises.
Recently, the company opened a second outlet in the high brow Opebi Road, Ikeja. This outlet is increasingly making its presence felt in the area. Adedayo hopes to set up more branches but she insists that she would maintain very high standard in all the outlets all the time. Adedayo also plans to set up Tastee Fried Chicken children's Club with the aim of organising social activities for children. it would employ teachers to engage children during the holidays.
Newswatch June 29, 1998
" Newswatch 1998