- The Story Of SAHEETO, ADEDAAS, LAREDO & 12 BASKETS
They are perfect example of young guys who have done well for themselves. This best summarises the story of the stylish guys, who dominate the Small chop business not only in Lagos, where they are based but in Nigeria. They are doing very well in the business and no weekend passes by without them handling one or more jobs. They have carved a niche for themselves and their products are most sought after by many as peopole often contract them for their services.
The pioneer of the smallchop business is Saheed Kekere-Ekun popularly called Saheeto. He started as a Waiter at Lagos social events and his business has spanned 25 years. Through hardwork and perseverance, he has been able to build his business into a big brand that it is today.
He is located on the Island and not too long ago he opened his new high rise, Saheeto’s Place and the launch of his ultra modern kitchen.He has handled notable events for governors,high networth individuals and many more. His business started in 1988 but fully in 1994 and he has trained morethan 85percent of the people in the industry. He worked at The Pennisula Restaurant and it was there he learnt much about small chops, making him the biggest brand.
Saheeto International Limited is a catering outfit that specialises in the provision of an assortment of finger foods (“small chops”). It was established in 1994, offering services essentially by catering at birthday’s parties, weddings, christening, funeral and other related events, and it swiftly grew in numerical strength. Its training arm is responsible for on-the-job training for auxiliary waiters. Now, Saheeto caters and renders services to corporate organizations and government agencies on occasions such as corporate launch, New Product Promotions and Opening of New Corporate Offices among others.
Also is Adedaas, a humble and unassuming man, who started the small chop business with his wife of many years. His real name is Adewale Adeowo but fondly called Adedaas. He is a graduate of Business Administration from Federal University of Technology, Akure and right from his secondary school, he had always helped his mum in her restaurant back then in the 80s. He later went for training at the then Mama Cass Restaurant where he gained a lot of experience, He later left for a paid job at Cocacola as a special Event Manager and it was from there, he started his small chops company in 2004 on Lagos Island. The firm is fast becoming a global brand in 10 years. His patronage has spanned different high profiled events and they usually handed up to 6 events in a day apart from clients order from various corporate offices.
Laredo is another popular name in the Small chop sector, His real name is Olanrewaju Jimoh. He has done so well for himself and rarely would there be any weekend that the firms isn’t busy. Located in the heart of Lagos Island, he started his soujourn in the small chop business from Saheeto, who trained him and after a few years, he decided to start his own company and the sky has been his beginning. He handles several high profile jobs and has done well for himself within a short space of time. Lanre has also diversified into other areas of business. Now, he is into property, care equipment, hiring of earth moving machines,and road construction.
He used to hawk food at Okesuna, Lagos Island for his mum when he was in secondary school he was born and brought up on Lagos Island. He used to cook food and sell and that was how he developed a passion for cooking and later got a job as a waiter before delving into small chops making.
Micheal Afolaranmi’s name also rings a bell in the industry. He is the CEO of 12 Baskets Smallchops, who caters for big events. With well cultured member of staff and adequate service,he has become one of the most sought after in the sector. He has a good knowledge of what catering is all about and this has catapulted his career as finger food provider to the next level.
He is a Chartered Marketer, a trained and seasoned Administrator, Manager, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, endowed with many years of experience both internationally and domestically in the food and dining industry.As a child, Michael grew up in a family with a rich heritage of catering. He got his first culinary training from his mother, who was a known caterer and had a deep affinity for cooking. He went on to perfect the art of cooking and eventually started 12 Baskets Foods Limited, which has grown to become one of Nigeria’s premier finger-foods manufacturers.
Today, 12 Baskets Foods has become a household name, not only providing top-notch finger foods, but also providing training for people who intend to go into the culinary world.
-TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI
