Honestly? I never thought I’d be writing about a food business. But here we are.
In a world where food businesses pop up every other day, only a few stand out. BET Ofada and More is one of those few — not just because of what’s on the plate, but the heart behind it all. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself when things get overwhelming.
This isn’t just another restaurant selling Ofada rice. Well, maybe it is. But it’s also a love letter to tradition, culture, and the kind of home-cooked goodness that lingers in your memory long after the last spoonful. Or maybe I’m being too romantic about it. But it didn’t start this big. Nothing ever does. Honestly? I never thought I’d be writing about a food business.
But here we are.
Before BET Ofada and More was a bustling restaurant in Osogbo, it began with something simpler: a spice and ingredients business called Veggies by Bet (which is still up and running in Ile-Ife by the way). Back then, the shelves were stocked with raw Ofada rice, bleached palm oil, onion flakes, and all the essentials for a proper traditional Nigerian meal.
People would joke that I was selling “ready-to-cook Ofada” — and they weren’t wrong. But honestly? I wasn’t sure what to make of such statements at all.
The idea of turning it into a full-fledged food business wasn’t planned. It just… happened. It came from love, sure. A love for cooking. A love for feeding people. A love for seeing smiles after a good plate of food. But also from passion. And maybe a little bit of stubbornness.
Sundays in Ile-Ife weren’t easy if you were craving a good local meal. You’d think Ofada would be a go-to, but most versions tasted like glorified white rice with dry pepper stew. It didn’t feel right. Actually, it felt wrong.
I noticed this gap — not just in the taste, but in service and experience. It was either going to be amala or Ofada, and Ofada won. Though some days, I wonder if selling only amala would’ve been easier.
One random day, a customer walked into our store and saw me eating Ofada. He begged for a taste, had just a spoon, and went, “You should sell this.”
That moment was the confirmation I didn’t know I was waiting for. Or maybe it was just a hungry customer being polite. I still don’t know.
And so, on June 20, 2024, the business was born — first as Ile Ofada in Ife. It was just a humble kiosk, and the team was a dynamic duo: I and one staff member.
Dynamic feels generous. We were just two people trying to figure it out.
Even though the food was priced higher than other vendors, it didn’t matter. The quality was unmatched. Customers came back, and word spread. Despite doubts from some who said the location was too far from students or that someone else was selling closer to campus, Ile Ofada held its ground.
But let’s be real — there were days when I questioned everything. The location, the pricing, the whole idea.
In no time, the numbers told the story: Within just two months, this small food brand was outperforming our other businesses monthly. Which was shocking. And terrifying. And exciting all at once.
But sometimes, growth needs space. The kiosk in Ife wasn’t enough anymore — not for the kind of vision this brand had. We needed a bigger playground, better infrastructure, and a new audience that truly valued premium, authentic meals.
So in early August, we made the bold move to Osogbo. By October 5, the Osogbo branch of BET Ofada and More opened its doors.
Bold feels like the right word. Daring might be more accurate.
And what a difference that made.
The new kitchen? Bigger than the entire kiosk setup in Ife. The visibility? On another level. The customer base? Aligned with the brand’s mission — working-class professionals, elite food lovers, and culture-conscious people who crave real Nigerian food made right. Even though we left Ife physically, the love still flows. Several plates of food are sent to Ife every week. The bond didn’t break — it simply evolved..
Today, BET Ofada and More isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving.
From 2 staff to over 20 team members.
From a kiosk to a full kitchen.
From serving nearby students to feeding guests across cities.
From “just trying it out” to becoming a beloved indigenous food spot in Osogbo.
Social media presence has exploded. The brand now stands tall not just in flavor, but in authenticity, cultural preservation, sustainability, and hospitality. At least, that’s what the marketing says.
Walk into BET Ofada and More, and you’ll feel it. The warm smile, the attention to detail, the thoughtful gestures — like a complimentary snack, a cozy reading corner, or even a free car cleaning service while you eat.
This isn’t just food. It’s an experience. It’s a brand with roots — and wings. And sometimes, a brand with bills to pay and staff to manage and a million things that could go wrong at any moment.
If there’s one thing to take away from this story, it’s that doing things with love, intention, and authenticity will always shine through. BET Ofada and More isn’t just a restaurant. It’s proof that when passion meets purpose, beautiful things happen.
And yes — we still serve the best Ofada rice and sauce you’ve ever tasted and indeed several other local meals, snacks and fresh Juices that you can check out on our menu page.
Order or walk into our restaurant today and testify to our bold claims. Be sure to leave your review on our Google business profile as this helps the business grow.
