I love love love Cafe Neo, from Angelicas to Agoro Odiyan. The friends I made there are still an integral part of my life till date. Yes, you're right about the Baristas, they found their voice at Cafe Neo and that was a joy to watch - Precious, Emeka, Daniel, Friday, Matthew!
I met my now wife at Cafe-Neo (I cannot thank you guys enough for that, it's the best thing that's happened to me).
I had never tried coffee till the day Tom Saater invited me to Cafe Neo, Angelicas. It was a wholesome community.
God bless you guys. The spirit of Cafe Neo lives on!
I landed in Kigali and saw Cafe Neo. I was so excited and optimistic about what Africa could export globally. Inspiring stuff!
Also reminded me, I’m mildly ashamed of my own squatter stories (not in Cafe Neo, mind you). I even brought my own tea bag. My defence? I was a student and times were hard!
Thank you for sharing this story. My wife and I had our first date at Café Neo and I had my first cup of coffee that day. I've gone on to love lattes and cappuccinos and learn the differences. Thanks for Café Neo!
At least I am not trying to disparage other folks while failing to contextualize what the bank of Daddy-literally in his case- has done in helping to fund his many ideas...
I know I am late to the party but I really have to say this. It seems that Neo did to coffee culture in Nigeria what Truth Coffee and Vida e Caffe have done for coffee culture in South Africa. I think Truth Coffee even helped break the R10 per cup psychological barrier in our market and more impressively both brands have been able to hold their own as Starbucks tries to earn market share in Southy. Lastly, what a great read and what a great story.
Hi Ngozi. I just stumbled on your Substack and it was really interesting to read your story. Thanks for sharing it! I used to patronize your Cafe before I moved out of Nigeria. It was close to my office and I loved how well spread out it was in VI. I loved the sandwich and hot chocolate drink. I also remember that your Cafe hosted our Design Thinking workshop (focused on IoT) facilitated by Toks. Can’t remember what year. So I have warm feelings about your brand and it’s sad to hear it had to shut down due to covid. It’s a shame that your baristas were milking you instead of serving milky goodness. Your experience just reinforces how deep the rot of our corruption is.
This is the best thing I have read this year, I loved Cafe Neo.. Started a partnership form there and met friends there that are still friends till date, Especially the Agoro Odiyan branch was just had a different vibe.. There can Never be a place like cafe Neo again…
I found this very interesting. I wish this has a part 2 , I would like to know how you tackled the challenges and what finally lead the to decision to close up shop.
So proud!!! You built something formidable and beautiful. Sometimes it's not the right time but the right idea. Cafe Neo was amazing!
I love love love Cafe Neo, from Angelicas to Agoro Odiyan. The friends I made there are still an integral part of my life till date. Yes, you're right about the Baristas, they found their voice at Cafe Neo and that was a joy to watch - Precious, Emeka, Daniel, Friday, Matthew!
I met my now wife at Cafe-Neo (I cannot thank you guys enough for that, it's the best thing that's happened to me).
I had never tried coffee till the day Tom Saater invited me to Cafe Neo, Angelicas. It was a wholesome community.
God bless you guys. The spirit of Cafe Neo lives on!
I landed in Kigali and saw Cafe Neo. I was so excited and optimistic about what Africa could export globally. Inspiring stuff!
Also reminded me, I’m mildly ashamed of my own squatter stories (not in Cafe Neo, mind you). I even brought my own tea bag. My defence? I was a student and times were hard!
Great read. Glad to be part of that operations. Cafe Neo really brought a difference in Coffee and workspace management.
This is awesome. Cafe Neo was way ahead of its time here. It probably still is. I will always be team #BringBackNeo.
Amen
I used to love going to Cafe Neo. Sad that it was such hard work to keep it functioning.
Thank you for sharing this story. My wife and I had our first date at Café Neo and I had my first cup of coffee that day. I've gone on to love lattes and cappuccinos and learn the differences. Thanks for Café Neo!
You should have sent small wedding cake na! Love to hear it!
You betray your class allegiances when you write stuff disparaging those who fall into the squatter category.
In London cafes, purchasing a cup of coffee is perfectly fine in order to work for a few hours. Humiliating your customers is wrong.
You must be a lot of fun at parties
At least I am not trying to disparage other folks while failing to contextualize what the bank of Daddy-literally in his case- has done in helping to fund his many ideas...
How original!
This was a good read!
"In many ways, Cafe Neo wasn’t really about coffee - that was the excuse. It was creating a third space where magic could happen..."
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This is it for me 😀
You have done well, chief.
Any hope for a restart?
I know I am late to the party but I really have to say this. It seems that Neo did to coffee culture in Nigeria what Truth Coffee and Vida e Caffe have done for coffee culture in South Africa. I think Truth Coffee even helped break the R10 per cup psychological barrier in our market and more impressively both brands have been able to hold their own as Starbucks tries to earn market share in Southy. Lastly, what a great read and what a great story.
Hi Ngozi. I just stumbled on your Substack and it was really interesting to read your story. Thanks for sharing it! I used to patronize your Cafe before I moved out of Nigeria. It was close to my office and I loved how well spread out it was in VI. I loved the sandwich and hot chocolate drink. I also remember that your Cafe hosted our Design Thinking workshop (focused on IoT) facilitated by Toks. Can’t remember what year. So I have warm feelings about your brand and it’s sad to hear it had to shut down due to covid. It’s a shame that your baristas were milking you instead of serving milky goodness. Your experience just reinforces how deep the rot of our corruption is.
Akin adesola was magic land. Many thanks for making a beautiful thing.
This is the best thing I have read this year, I loved Cafe Neo.. Started a partnership form there and met friends there that are still friends till date, Especially the Agoro Odiyan branch was just had a different vibe.. There can Never be a place like cafe Neo again…
I found this very interesting. I wish this has a part 2 , I would like to know how you tackled the challenges and what finally lead the to decision to close up shop.