For Adefemi (Victor) Adetutu and Oluwabukola (Bukky) Lawal, SA Jollof began with a desire to share the flavours, culture and warmth of West Africa with the South Australian community.
Inspired by family traditions and cherished recipes, Victor and Bukky saw an opportunity to introduce authentic Nigerian food to a wider audience while also creating a taste of home for Africans living in Adelaide.
From the outset, their vision extended beyond serving great food. They wanted to create experiences, share stories and bring people together through a business built around culture, connection and genuine hospitality.
Today, SA Jollof offers takeaway, delivery and catering and participates in community events, with a long-term vision of creating a vibrant West African dining destination for people from all backgrounds.
Building connections through food
As Victor and Bukky began transforming their passion for food into a business, Self-Employment Assistance provided valuable support during the early stages.
Through Small Business Training and Small Business Coaching delivered by Auctus Training & Education, they strengthened their understanding of key areas of business and gained practical tools that helped them approach decisions with greater confidence.
The program also reinforced the importance of strong business systems and clear goals for growth, helping SA Jollof establish solid foundations while maintaining its focus on quality food and customer experiences. The knowledge and confidence gained through the program continue to support the business as it expands its reach across South Australia.
As the business has grown, so too has its contribution to the wider community. Through its food, catering and involvement in community events, SA Jollof creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, experience new flavours and learn about West African culture.
For members of Adelaide’s African community, the business also provides a sense of connection and belonging. At the same time, SA Jollof is helping increase awareness and appreciation of Nigerian and West African cuisine and contributing to the diversity of South Australia’s food industry.
Building strong relationships has also been an important part of the business’s growth. By listening to customer feedback and adapting to their needs, Victor and Bukky have developed a loyal customer base. Their focus on professionalism, reliability and genuine hospitality when working with customers, suppliers, event organisers and community groups has helped generate valuable partnerships, repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Victor and Bukky’s journey demonstrates how self-employment can provide an opportunity to combine culture, passion and entrepreneurship while creating something that contributes to the wider community.
