​Americanized fast-casual West African restaurant

Hello!

I am an American of West African descent. One of the things I’ve noticed is the utter lack of any prominent “recognizable” fast-casual West African restaurants. I think it is good enough to be mainstream.

All of the West African restaurants I have seen are very localized, and only attract a niche group of people (Africans and/or people that are especially interested in African culture). I think part of the reason why this is is because the owners are generally African themselves. While this isn’t inherently bad, it sort of creates a disconnect with a broader market and relegates them to the confines of their locality.

That’s where I see real opportunity. I’m 25. I’ll be going for my MBA in roughly 2 years where I’m hoping to not only learn more about business, but to really leverage the networking opportunity, and maybe connect with potential investors. I am American to the core and can communicate with pretty much every demographic. BUT, I have the legitimacy of having 2 African parents. With the rise of Afrobeats and interest in Sub-Saharan African culture, I think there would be demand for a more “Americanized” taste of Africa.

The idea is to structure it similar to Chipotle/Cava. If you’re unfamiliar with African meals, there is a rice native to West Africa called “Jollof” rice. With that as a “base” for a bowl, there are endless things you could make with that.

Obviously the restaurant industry is brutally unforgiving. But I do see a light at the end of a long tunnel.

Thoughts?

Also, I am a native of the DMV, which I feel would be a good market for a location.