Introduction
Matthew Allan, the Founder of Shika Shika Foods, ventured into the food industry with a unique vision during a time of uncertainty. Inspired by his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Allan took a leap of faith and started his fast food and farming business. Shika Shika Foods is not just a fast food outlet but an innovative venture that integrates fresh produce farming with food preparation, creating a sustainable ecosystem that delivers quality meals.
The Inspiration Behind Shika Shika Foods
Allan’s journey began during the pandemic, a time when businesses worldwide were closing, and job opportunities were scarce. After quitting his job and moving away from the city, he found himself in a period of uncertainty. He was confined indoors, waiting for job callbacks that never came. During this period of isolation, Allan discovered a passion for cooking, which turned into a small business. He began posting his culinary creations online and soon started receiving orders.
Realizing the potential of this side hustle, Allan conceptualized Shika Shika Foods—a business that would tap into Kenya’s local food markets while integrating fast food services. His goal was to create a system where consumers could enjoy meals made with freshly harvested vegetables grown on farms managed by Shika Shika itself. This vision aimed to provide transparency in food sourcing and ensure customers receive high-quality, nutritious meals.
Mission and Core Values
Shika Shika Foods stands as a testament to Allan’s belief in quality, sustainability, and innovation. The mission of Shika Shika is to offer a wide variety of fast food options while ensuring that all produce used is directly sourced from the company’s own farms. The company’s motto, USIJIFUNGE (loosely translated as “don’t limit yourself”), reflects Allan’s ambition to provide a diverse range of options on their menu while exploring new business ventures. Shika Shika Foods is built on the values of transparency, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, with the ultimate goal of becoming a household name in Kenya’s fast food and agriculture industries.
Products and Services
Shika Shika Foods is a combination of fast food production and fresh produce farming. The business offers a wide array of fast food options designed to cater to a broad demographic. From fresh vegetables grown on Shika Shika’s farms to delicious, well-prepared meals, the company aims to control the quality of its ingredients from farm to table. In addition to food production, the company plans to sell fresh produce directly to consumers, further ensuring that customers receive the best ingredients available.
Business Model and Revenue Generation
Shika Shika Foods is still a young business, having faced closures due to inadequate working capital. The company relies heavily on social media marketing and word-of-mouth to drive sales. Though the business is based in a location that limits foot traffic, the online presence has helped to keep orders flowing. Allan has employed social media to boost sales, capitalizing on client reviews, direct messages, and open suggestions to improve customer satisfaction and engagement. While profit margins are currently modest, the company’s business model revolves around providing high-quality meals while expanding its customer base.
Target Market and Customer Demographics
Shika Shika Foods targets a broad demographic, with the main age group ranging from 15 to 45. The menu is designed to cater to families, offering options for different age groups and preferences. Allan understands the importance of meeting the needs of his customers and employs strategies such as encouraging reviews, engaging with clients on social media, and offering personalized suggestions based on feedback. This approach helps retain loyal customers while attracting new ones through recommendations.
Unique Value Proposition
What sets Shika Shika Foods apart from its competitors is its unique approach to food production and packaging. The business focuses not only on fast food but also on creating a sustainable ecosystem that integrates fresh produce farming. This ensures that the ingredients used are of the highest quality, and customers can trust the source of their food. Allan’s media background further adds value to the business, allowing him to effectively market the brand through photography, presentation, and social media engagement.
Key Milestones and Achievements
In the nine months since its inception, Shika Shika Foods has achieved several milestones. In February 2023, the company was nominated for "Most Promising Agripreneur" by TheFounder, a recognition of its innovative approach to integrating agriculture with fast food. Despite the challenges of running a startup with limited working capital, Shika Shika has continued to expand its operations, driven by Allan’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Like many startups, Shika Shika Foods has faced its share of challenges. The lack of working capital has been a significant hurdle, making it difficult to manage stock replenishment, employee management, and operational costs. Additionally, physical challenges such as the head chef’s health issues have impacted production and supplier payments. However, Allan has remained resilient, securing a line of credit from financial partners and reinvesting any profits back into the business. His determination to overcome these obstacles is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
Long-term Vision for Shika Shika Foods
Allan’s long-term vision for Shika Shika Foods is to transform it into a franchise that reaches towns across Kenya. He envisions a future where the brand is synonymous with quality, sustainability, and exceptional customer experiences. By continuing to reinvest in the business, expanding its online presence, and maintaining high standards of service, Allan is confident that Shika Shika will grow into a leading name in Kenya’s food and agriculture sectors.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Allan’s advice is simple yet profound: patience, perseverance, passion, and determination are key to success. He emphasizes the importance of having strong business discipline and being fully committed to the growth and success of one’s venture. Allan’s journey with Shika Shika Foods serves as an inspiring example of how passion and hard work can turn an idea into a thriving business, even in the face of adversity.
