In this interview with Senior Correspondent, Omolara Akintoye, the Co-founder, Boutique Cafe, Mamad Chaarani speaks about the inspiration behind the opening of the Cafe, why he chose the location, his relocation from Lebanon to Nigeria to set it up and the uniqueness of the Boutique Cafe.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Boutique Café and why you chose a vintage aesthetic?
Ans. : Absolutely. We spent a lot of time analyzing the market and identifying what was missing in this area. Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos is one of the busiest and most prestigious streets in VI, and we saw an opportunity to create something special. Our neighbors, also encouraged us to establish our presence here, and we decided to merge luxury with vintage charm.
There’s nothing quite like this café in the vicinity, and we wanted to bring a unique experience to Lagos. It took us over six months to carefully curate the antiques and design the space to reflect a classic, yet sophisticated, ambiance.
What do you hope to achieve with this vintage concept?
Ans.: Lagos is a fast-paced city. People are always on the move, and there aren’t many places where you can sit, relax, and escape the hustle. We wanted to create a serene environment where guests can enjoy their coffee, brunch, or a meal in a space that feels nostalgic and calming.
We also prioritized using locally made furnitures and decor, crafted by skilled Nigerian artisans. Sourcing these pieces was a challenge, but we managed to achieve something truly special.
You mentioned earlier that it took six months to gather the antiques. How long did it take to set up the entire café?
Ans.: The planning and antique collection took over six months, but the actual construction and setup were completed in about three months. We started in October, finalized everything in December, and officially opened in February.
The Boutique Café has a very inviting entrance. What was the thought process behind that?
Ans : We wanted guests to feel like they were stepping into their own home, rather than a commercial space. That’s why there are no security checkpoints or barriers at the entrance. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed into a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
The interior is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with antique décor, vintage telephones, and carefully selected color palettes that create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Caption : L-R : Mhamad Chaarani, Co-founder Boutique Café; [Guest- Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Lagos State; Barr. Barr. Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; Chief Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos; and Zaheer Atrkaui, Founder, Boutique Café at the official opening of Boutique Café Restaurant held recently at Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island Lagos.
Tell us about the menu. What kind of food and drinks can guests expect?
Ans. : We offer a diverse menu, ranging from classic breakfast dishes to gourmet meals. Some highlights include:
Starters: Banana and sous chicken, various salads, noodle and quinoa salad
Main Dishes: A mix of international and locally inspired cuisine
Desserts: Freshly baked croissants and other pastries
Beverages: A wide selection of coffees, including matcha latte, chai latte, and specialty brews
Everything is homemade, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
You moved from Lebanon to set up this business in Nigeria. What makes Nigeria, and specifically Lagos, an attractive market for you?
Ans.: Nigeria is full of ambition. People here appreciate goods services and quality food. The market is thriving, and there is a strong demand for unique experiences.
Major global companies recognize Nigeria’s potential—just look at how Microsoft established a presence here. The country is growing, and we want to be part of that journey. Our goal is not just to make money, but to contribute to this exciting growth.
With so many restaurants in Lagos, what makes Boutique Café unique?
Ans : It’s all about the experience. From the moment you enter until the time you leave, we ensure that every guest feels special. Our ambiance, customer service, and homemade dishes set us apart.
I’ve spent my life in the restaurant industry, and I know that the key to success is winning the customer’s heart. When you give people a memorable experience, they will always come back.
Tell us about your staff. How did you assemble your team?
Ans.: The only foreigners here are my brother and me. The rest of our team is made up of talented Nigerians. We believe in training and developing local talent rather than relying on expatriates.
Managing a new team is like nurturing a newborn—it takes time to grow and develop synergy. Our staff members have experience, but working together requires coordination and understanding. That’s what we’re focusing on right now.
What does today’s grand opening mean to you?
Ans.: It’s a significant milestone. We’re introducing Boutique Café to the world and spreading the word about what we have to offer. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to welcome everyone to experience what we’ve created.
Boutique Café is now open in Lagos! If you’re looking for a stylish, vintage-themed café with exceptional food and ambiance, visit us at 64, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island.
