The ₦10 Million Akara Business Saga

The ₦10 Million Akara Business Saga

By Ufford Frank

If you are living in, or have ever stayed in, Eket and its environs, “Big Daddy Coffee Shop” should be a familiar name to you.

The shop was located within the Royalty Hotel complex along the Eket–Oron Road. It opened as early as 6:00 a.m. and closed around 10:00 p.m. Before Kilimanjaro came into Eket, Big Daddy Coffee Shop was arguably the major snacks and coffee outlet in the entire town.

The shop might have looked small, but it was strategically located and exceptionally busy. They sold freshly baked bread, chicken and meat pies, pizza, doughnuts, akara cakes, popcorn, assorted coffee drinks, and soft drinks, Etc. Their snacks were also regularly ordered for birthday parties, naming ceremonies, corporate events, private meetings, and other social gatherings.

Big Daddy Coffee Shop consistently recorded some of the highest sales figures.

During our monthly meetings, when the sales from all departments and business units were presented, discussed, and analyzed, Big Daddy Coffee Shop frequently topped the list. Its monthly sales could surpass those of the main hotel, the laundry unit, and even the Royalty Apartments.

On average, the coffee shop was generating between ₦10 million and ₦15 million in sales monthly—a remarkable figure for a business that, from the outside, appeared to be just a small coffee and snacks shop.

Our Boss—the Governor—never took the coffee shop lightly. He understood its potential and paid close attention to its operations and performance.

So, whenever I hear the story about the Governor and the “₦10 million akara business,” I cannot help but remember Big Daddy Coffee Shop and the impressive business it was doing at the time.

Sometimes, the biggest businesses are not necessarily the ones occupying the biggest spaces. Strategy, location, quality, consistency, and good management can turn even a small outlet into a very profitable venture.

@frankford.