
“I had no idea about the lack of diversity in San Francisco before I got here. It’s said to be one of the most diverse cities in the world, but it’s diverse for white people, I’m sorry to say, that’s the truth. You will see people of every gender identity here but to actually see a group of brown-skinned people in this city is like a unicorn sighting to me.” Simileoluwa Adebajo
Simileoluwa Adebajo is a 23 year old Nigerian Chef. She quit her job as a Financial Analyst to start San Francisco’s first Nigerian restaurant. While this might seem like a huge feat and is infact a huge feat, what many do not know is that Simileoluwa had started her culinary business way before her tweet went viral
So I've quit my job as a financial Analyst to open the first #Nigerian restaurant in the city of San Francisco. Tbh I'm not sure of exactly what I'm doing but I'll do my best with what I have. Wish me luck, guys. ???? pic.twitter.com/dAJQQJSdIW
— hautemodelchef (@simileolu) April 5, 2019
According to San Francisco Chronicles ”Adebajo had spent the better part of a year in relative obscurity running a pop-up restaurant.” Speaking on the reception the tweet has garnered she said: “It was absolutely crazy. I didn’t think the reaction would be like that, I’m still trying to process everything.”
Speaking about Eko Kitchen, her brother- Seun Adebajo said “It’s a huge leap of faith, that I’m sure will come good. Eko Kitchen SF! San Fran isn’t ready!”
Proud brother here ☺. My sister is being modest, she was a financial analyst at Twitch! Seen her balance this passion with her job for the last year or so and the growth is amazing. It's a huge leap of faith, that I'm sure will come good. Eko Kitchen SF! San Fran isn't ready! https://t.co/hKl6Nbl7j1
— Marty Byrde (@seunadebajo) April 5, 2019
Her friend Oreoluwa Peters said: ”It takes guts and self belief to do so and I believe in her.”
So my friend quit her big ass job in Silicon Valley to chase her big time passion. It takes guts and self belief to do so and I believe in her. So when you see this tweet on TL, please retweet it, her next customer might be on your TL. https://t.co/PwDf224iCv
— MR ROLLOUT©️ (@OreoluwaPeters) April 5, 2019
Speaking further on the switch from Twitch to running her own food company, Simileoluwa said: “The truth is, I’m a good financial analyst. I can do a three-year projection for you right now and draw up charts and graphs and strategic recommendations, but I haven’t been happy, I was spending eight hours a day staring at a spreadsheet. I realized plating just one plate of food gave me more satisfaction than eight hours of being a financial analyst could ever give me.”
Eko Kitchen will be officially opened on May 3, 2019. She announced this on Twitter.
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. Eko Kitchen San Francisco will open at 167 11th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103 on Friday May 3rd. I can't wait to meet you all there. ????????
— hautemodelchef (@simileolu) April 5, 2019
And some plated photos:
— hautemodelchef (@simileolu) April 7, 2019
???? – @reeddavis, Aba Micah & Imuetinyan Aiguwurhuo. pic.twitter.com/jie9muHarQ
So people have been asking for photos of the food. Here are some pictures from (today) April 6th during our last run on Uber Eats and Postmates orders. pic.twitter.com/m0OQ1q2HFx
— hautemodelchef (@simileolu) April 7, 2019


A good number of publications have written about her and her great work.
“I had no idea about the lack of diversity in S.F. before I got here. (T)o actually see a group of brown-skinned people in this city is like a unicorn sighting"
— Justin Phillips (@JustMrPhillips) April 9, 2019
The story of SF's first Nigerian spot is about culture, identity, representation @simileoluhttps://t.co/CNKYmxB9EP
Tuesday April 9th and a girl from Ikenne Remo is the cover story for the @sfchronicle. So grateful for this moment in time. ???????? to the world. pic.twitter.com/pz7fWLUfqV
— hautemodelchef (@simileolu) April 9, 2019
.@simileolu To Bring The First Nigerian Restaurant To San Francisco????????????????https://t.co/gMyZrKDkpa
— Konbini Nigeria (@konbining) April 9, 2019
Did this inspire you? It totally should.
Way to go Simi! We are so proud of you.