“Imagine waking up to some really sad news: a flood has washed away your favorite restaurant. That’s the case of Kuins Signature Pizzeria and Restaurant. Their little restaurant got flooded, and all their food was ruined. But guess what? Instead of giving up, they worked even harder. This is the story of their determination and how they turned things around.”


Who is Kuins?
Kuins is me, or rather, my business’s namesake. It’s a playful twist on my real name, QUEENETH. Kuins isn’t just a pizzeria; it’s a reflection of who I am and my commitment to providing the best culinary experiences.

Can you tell us about the history and background of your pizzeria and restaurant?
My journey with Kuins Signature Pizzeria & Restaurant officially began three years ago, and it was far from an easy start. It was the year 2020, a year that brought unprecedented challenges to everyone. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to turn my passion for baking into a full-fledged business. Kuins Signature wasn’t born out of convenience; it was born out of the determination to make something beautiful out of trying times.
During the lockdown, I took the leap and secured a small space in Enugu, Nigeria. That marked the modest beginnings of the Kuin Signature Pizzeria & Restaurant. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Little did I know that it would grow to become what it is today.

Before Kuins Signature Pizzeria & Restaurant, what did you do?
Before I embarked on this culinary adventure, I was a 9-to-5 worker. My background was in human resource consulting and generalist business management. However, I always had a love for the culinary arts, which eventually led me to where I am today. My remote job allowed me the flexibility to explore my passion and delve into the restaurant business.

What inspired you to start a pizzeria and restaurant in Enugu?
Why Enugu? Enugu presented a unique opportunity; it wasn’t saturated with pizzerias like some other parts of the country. I saw a fertile ground here, and I decided to cultivate it. Enugu needed something different, something that incorporated local flavors. That’s where Kuins stands out. We blend foreign and local spices, creating a unique taste that resonates with the community.

What are some of the most popular pizza and restaurant dishes among your customers in Enugu?
At Kuins Signature, there are two dishes that have become our trademarks: Baked Barbecue Chicken Pizza and Traditional Chicken Pizza. What sets them apart? It’s our homemade barbecue sauce, infused with a secret blend of flavors. These dishes offer a taste that’s both familiar and exciting, and they’ve won the hearts of our customers.

Could you share some insights into the challenges and opportunities of running a pizzeria and restaurant in Enugu, Nigeria?
Running a pizzeria and restaurant in Nigeria is no cakewalk. Running a restaurant in Enugu comes with its challenges, especially with the current fuel price hike. Many people now prioritize essential expenses over luxury meals like pizza. The low patronage has been a significant challenge. We have to run generators 24/7 due to power outages, which adds to the operating costs. Managing resources and staff during these tough times has also been a test of patience and adaptability.

Are there any unique challenges you face in sourcing ingredients for your dishes in Nigeria?
Fortunately, the ingredients for our dishes are readily available in Nigeria, and we don’t rely on seasonal products. However, the main challenge is the rising cost of ingredients, including imported ones. Prices can fluctuate, making it challenging to maintain affordability for our customers.

In recent years, there has been a rise in food delivery services in Nigeria. How has this trend affected your business, and how do you adapt to it?
Initially, when fuel prices surged, customers were hesitant due to higher delivery costs. One of the major comments I got is that the delivery prices is able to get me another item in the store. However, over time, people have adjusted, and food delivery has become a more accepted option. We’ve adapted by streamlining our delivery processes to ensure a smoother experience for our customers, whether they order online or dine in.

Can you share any memorable customer stories or experiences that highlight the uniqueness of your pizzeria and restaurant in Enugu?
One memorable experience was when a family from Lagos visited our pizzeria during Christmas break. They initially tried our pizza with skepticism but ended up loving it. The mother was especially impressed and requested a weekly pizza supply to their home. This validation from a customer from outside the city was truly special. She insisted on a standing order for two boxes of pizza every weekend. That moment validated all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into Kuins Signature.

Can you share your craziest experiences?
As I mentioned earlier, we initially operated in a smaller restaurant. However, as our business grew, we decided to move to a larger location. But there’s an interesting story from our time in the smaller place. One day, we received a chicken delivery with over 20 birds, which was a significant stock for us, you know as a small business owner. We stored them in the freezer. However, on that very night, disaster struck when a flood inundated our restaurant. The floodwater covered everything, including our deep freezer. Sadly, this led to the contamination of the chicken and other items in the freezer. It was a substantial loss for us at the time.
Despite this setback, we persevered and gradually overcame the challenges we faced. It was during these times that I realized the importance of resilience and adaptability in the restaurant business and also it dawned on me that we needed to get a bigger spaces. We continued to work diligently, and our reputation grew. We began receiving orders regularly, even waking up to orders in our inbox.
To manage the increasing demand, we started separating walk-in orders from online orders. This required us to allocate specific staff members to handle each type of order. Looking back, I see that what initially seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it pushed us to improve our operations and adapt to changing circumstances.

What advice would you give to aspiring restaurant and pizzeria owners who are considering starting a business in Enugu or Nigeria in general?

My advice would be to:

• Learn the skill of the business professionally, don’t rely on home cooking skills alone.
• Understand your target audience and maintain a consistent flavor profile.
• Be genuinely interested in the business, as it can be demanding.
• Prepare for both peak and low seasons, as restaurant business can be seasonal.
• Keep showcasing and advertising your business to stay visible and relevant.

What specific features of Luca do you find most useful for managing your restaurant operations?

The most useful feature of Luca for managing our restaurant operations is the ability to track “money in” and “money out” seamlessly. Luca recognizes keywords and provides options, saving us time when taking orders. It also helps us track transactions, monitor inventory, and maintain an overview of our business finances, even when I’m not physically at the restaurant.

Can you share a final business tip for fellow entrepreneurs?

Hang in there, better days are ahead. Running a restaurant can be tough, but perseverance pays off. Show up at your business as frequently as possible, don’t give up, and continue promoting and upscaling your business. Remember that success often requires dedication and adaptability.

In conclusion, the Kuins Signature Pizzeria and Restaurant, is more than just a business to me. It’s my passion, my dream, and my way of sharing flavors that I love with my community. Thank you for being a part of my culinary journey.

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