In a move that marks a significant milestone in its expansion journey, Burger King Nigeria has opened its 16th store at the Muritala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos.
The launch is proof of Burger King's commitment to revolutionizing the quick-service restaurant industry in Nigeria.
The grand opening of Burger King's MMA2 store was a momentous occasion, attended by dignitaries, customers, and partners. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a kitchen tour and a lucky dip that saw one guest win a free return flight courtesy of Ibom Air.
Rushdi Ibrahim, Managing Director and CEO of Allied Foods and Confectionery Services Limited, operators of Burger King in Nigeria, expressed his pride in the company's rapid expansion across the country. "We've opened 16 restaurants in just 33 months - that's one restaurant every two months. This pace is a testament to our team's dedication and the Nigerian market's receptiveness to our brand."
The decision to open the MMA2 branch was strategic, according to Rushdi. "Nigeria is a melting pot of opportunities, and we recognised the potential at MMA2, Nigeria's premier airport. We wanted to bring Burger King's exceptional dining experience to this hub, catering to the diverse tastes of its numerous passengers."
Burger King's commitment to adapting to local tastes while maintaining its brand identity was evident in its introduction of products like yam fries, plantain, and potato cubes, tailored to Nigerian palates. Additionally, Burger King emphasises affordability and convenience, with easy ordering options available via the kiosks.
Rushdi emphasised Burger King's commitment to adapting to local tastes while maintaining its brand identity. "While we innovate, we remain true to our brand essence. We won't deviate from who we are - the Home Of The Whopper “Burger King”. Our customers trust us to deliver high-quality, flavorful food, and we'll continue to meet those expectations."
Regarding future locations, Rushdi shared, "Our priority is customer convenience, and we won't compromise on quality. We aim to be where our customers want us to be, whether it's in bustling cities or strategic transportation hubs."
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adewale Temitope OON (JP), emphasised the state's commitment to supporting businesses like Burger King. "The presence of Burger King in our airport, a pioneering achievement in any Nigerian airport, showcases Lagos State's dedication to creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish. Despite the economic challenges, we are resolute in our efforts to foster a thriving business ecosystem."
Hon. Temitope highlighted the state's cosmopolitan nature, which makes it an attractive hub for trade and commerce. "As lawmakers, we are focused on creating an enabling legal framework that encourages business growth and development. Lagos State offers a wide range of opportunities for various industries, including technology, financial technology, construction, and more."
The partnership with Ibom Air is a significant one, according to Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager of Marketing and Communication at Ibom Air.
Sharing insights into the strategic partnership between Ibom Air and Burger King, Essienett said, "We've received numerous requests for partnerships, but Burger King's proposal stood out. We saw immense value in their brand and wanted to associate with them," she explained.
The collaboration enables both brands to leverage each other’s platform for marketing activations, further solidifying their brand visibility and presence in the Nigerian market.
Essienette emphasised that the partnership aligns seamlessly with Ibom Air's mission to enhance customer experiences. "By partnering with Burger King, we're offering our passengers a valuable experience. Burger King is a tried-and-tested brand with a long history of success, and we're thrilled to have them on board," she stated. This collaboration underscores Ibom Air's commitment to delivering exceptional services and experiences to its customers.
Speaking further, Aniekan Essienette commended the marketing team of Burger King, saying, "From a marketing perspective, I'd like to applaud them for a fantastic job well done. It's impressive that we started this conversation and executed this partnership in just 14 days. Burger King is an exceptional brand, and we're thrilled to be associated with them. We look forward to a successful collaboration and hope that together, we'll achieve great things."
The partnership marks the beginning of a promising business relationship between Ibom Air and Burger King, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. By combining their strengths, both brands aim to create memorable moments for their customers, fostering loyalty and driving growth. As Essienette noted, "This is just the start of a fantastic business relationship, and we look forward to exploring more opportunities together."
She encouraged Ibom Air passengers to indulge in Burger King's delectable menu and visit their lounge at MMA 2, adding, "Today, Burger King is offering samples on our Lagos-Abuja and Lagos-Uyo flights. We believe that once passengers taste their products, they'll become repeat customers and enjoy the full experience at the lounge."
This initiative allows passengers to enjoy the real burger experience from Burger King while enjoying Ibom Air's hospitality.
Lerato Makume, Marketing Director for Burger King, expressed her appreciation for the partnership with Ibom Air, saying: "I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ibom Air for joining forces with us on this exciting initiative. Together, we're delighted to reward our loyal customers for their patronage. In collaboration with Ibom Air, we've crafted a thrilling promotion that will delight travelers."
She continued, "For every purchase exceeding 7,000, customers will be entered into a lucky dip to win a complimentary domestic return ticket on Ibom Air and other fantastic prizes. We launched this lucky dip today, and one fortunate winner redeemed a free return ticket. This promotion will run for four weeks, until the end of September. We invite everyone to visit Burger King and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to win an Ibom Air ticket. Please spread the word, and we look forward to rewarding our customers with this amazing prize.”
As Burger King Nigeria continues to expand its reach, it's clear that the brand is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Through its various initiatives and strategic partnerships, Burger King is poised to make a significant impact in the Nigerian market.
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