At a time when many food service brands were fighting to survive, Kofi Abunu, Managing Director and CEO of Chicken Republic, quietly built one of Africa’s most remarkable growth stories. From its modest start in 2004, the brand has grown to over 300 outlets, evolving from a small local eatery into one of West Africa’s most respected quick service restaurant (QSR) empires.
At the center of this success is a guiding principle: consistency. Abunu’s leadership prioritizes trust over trends, ensuring that every Chicken Republic outlet, from Lagos to Port Harcourt, offers the same quality, service, and value. This unwavering standard, he believes, is what has sustained customer loyalty through economic ups and downs.
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One of the brand’s defining moves was the launch of the ₦500 Refill Meal, an initiative that redefined value-based pricing in Nigeria’s QSR industry. At a time when inflation threatened to push customers away, Chicken Republic made a bold decision to create an affordable meal that met economic realities without sacrificing quality. “The Refill Meal wasn’t a discount,” Abunu explained. “It was our responsibility. People needed to eat, and we needed to stay relevant while maintaining standards.”
The initiative resonated deeply. It became both a social talking point and a sales success, drawing crowds back to stores across the country.
Unlike brands that expand too quickly without structure, Chicken Republic’s growth is anchored in controlled franchising, rigorous training, and operational discipline. Each franchisee is carefully guided to uphold the same standards as company-owned stores. “Franchising isn’t just about selling a name,” Abunu notes. “It’s about protecting the promise behind that name.”
Abunu’s leadership goes beyond profit and product; it’s about people. Chicken Republic invests heavily in employee development and retention, fostering a culture of loyalty and growth. Many of the company’s branch managers and senior staff have been with the brand for over a decade, an impressive achievement in Nigeria’s high-turnover labor market.
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He remains pragmatic about challenges such as currency swings, logistics hurdles, and inflation. Yet, his focus on clarity and purpose remains unwavering. “Challenges are constant,” he reflects. “But it’s vision and adaptability that determine who thrives.”
With a strong national footprint, Chicken Republic is now positioning itself for continental expansion, targeting African markets hungry for affordable, organized dining experiences. The plan is simple but deliberate: replicate operational excellence, localize menus, and sustain affordability.
For Abunu, the mission extends beyond business growth. “We’re proving that African brands can scale globally, not by cutting corners, but by staying true to their values,” he says with quiet conviction.
Today, with over 300 outlets and counting, Chicken Republic’s story stands as more than a QSR success. It is a case study in purposeful leadership, disciplined growth, and people-centered enterprise, a testament to what African businesses can achieve when they build on values that endure.
