Mama Cass, one of Nigeria’s food-service brands, has announced its return following a comprehensive brand refresh, marking a significant moment for the country’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
Founded in 1983 on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Mama Cass is widely regarded as a pioneer of Nigeria’s early QSR culture, long before the term became mainstream.
In a statement, the management disclosed that the brand helped formalise Nigerian cuisine within structured dining, offering consistent, home-style meals such as jollof rice, pounded yam, ofada rice, beans, and traditional soups to generations of Nigerians.
The relaunch comes after a period of strategic restructuring and operational realignment. Management said the company is reopening with a renewed corporate identity, upgraded outlets, improved production systems, refined menus, and a redesigned customer experience aimed at blending nostalgia with modern efficiency.
Our relaunch represents both continuity and transformation, the management said. “Mama Cass has always stood for care, comfort, and culture. This new chapter honours the legacy of our founder while strengthening the organisation for the future.”
The return of Mama Cass comes at a time when Nigeria’s QSR market is increasingly competitive, shaped by rapid urbanisation, a growing youth population, and the expansion of foreign and pan-African food chains.
While the sector has grown steadily, much of that growth has been driven by non-Nigerian menus, including burgers, fried chicken, and pizza. Mama Cass’ rebranding signals renewed confidence in the commercial potential of Nigerian cuisine at scale.
As part of the refresh, the brand has adopted a new positioning, “The Home for Food Lovers,” which it says reflects its evolution without abandoning its roots.
According to the company, the refreshed identity is designed to appeal both to long-time customers who grew up with the brand and to younger, urban consumers seeking authentic Nigerian food in a modern setting
The relaunch includes newly refreshed outlet designs inspired by warmth and heritage, upgraded service processes, menu refinements centred on the brand’s most popular recipes, and stronger quality-control systems to support future expansion
Digital transformation and improved delivery and takeout options also form part of the strategy, reflecting changing consumer habits.
Despite the upgrades, Mama Cass says its core offering remains unchanged. “We have not changed from what we used to be. We have only evolved into something better,” the company noted, stressing that its traditional recipes and emphasis on comfort remain central to the brand
Abimbola Oladapo, the brand’s executive director described the relaunch as a personal moment for the company.
“Families trusted us with their meals for decades. Nigerians celebrated birthdays with us, shared their first jollof dates with us, and found comfort in our plates. This comeback is for them,” Oladapo said.
Also, the return of Mama Cass highlights a broader shift within Nigeria’s food-services sector, where experience, brand trust, and operational consistency are becoming as important as price. For indigenous brands, the rebranding underscores the possibility of modernising without losing cultural relevance.
With operations spanning dine-in restaurants, delivery and takeout, corporate meal plans, and event catering, Mama Cass is positioning itself as a full-service Nigerian food brand rather than a traditional fast-food outlet.
The company currently operates in VI Lagos and Abuja and says the strengthened operational structure will support long-term growth.