The aroma of authentic Jollof and native soups is returning to the streets of Lagos and Abuja, but this isn’t just another corporate relaunch. The reopening of Mama Cass marks a deeply emotional milestone for the family of its legendary founder, Mrs. Charis Grace Onabowale, who passed away in October 2024.
Following her passing, the once-ubiquitous chain—which had already been navigating a difficult period of downsizing—temporarily quieted its kitchens. Now, under the leadership of her daughter, Executive Director Abimbola Oladapo, Mama Cass is rising again to preserve a 42-year culinary heritage.
The Passing of a Pioneer
Mrs. Charis Onabowale, affectionately known as “Mama Cass,” was more than a restaurateur; she was a pioneer who transformed the “buka” experience into a structured, professional dining service starting in 1983. Her vision made traditional Nigerian meals accessible to the working class and families alike.
However, the founder’s illness and eventual passing, combined with the harsh economic climate and rising competition from foreign chains, led to the closure of many original outlets. For a while, the “Home for Food Lovers” seemed like a memory of a bygone era.
A Daughter’s Mission
For Abimbola Oladapo, the reopening in late December 2025 was a commitment to her mother’s “fifth child”—the business.
“Our return is personal,” Oladapo stated during the relaunch. “Mama Cass has always stood for care and culture. This new chapter honours the legacy of our founder while strengthening the organisation for a new generation.”
What’s New in the Comeback?
The relaunch isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a strategic modernisation. The “new” Mama Cass features:
- The “Legacy” Menu: Keeping the original secret recipes for Jollof, Ofada, and traditional stews that made the brand famous.
- Modernised Spaces: Newly designed outlets in Victoria Island, Allen Avenue, and Abuja offer a sleek, contemporary atmosphere while retaining “warmth and heritage.”
- Digital Integration: A major shift toward online ordering and delivery apps to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle.
A Symbol of Resilience
The story of Mama Cass is a rare example of a Nigerian family business successfully transitioning through a period of mourning and restructuring. By blending Mrs. Onabowale’s “time-tested” recipes with Oladapo’s modern operational vision, the brand is proving that while founders may pass on, their legacies can continue to feed the nation.
As the ribbon was cut at the new flagship locations, it was clear that for the Oladapo family and millions of Nigerians, Mama Cass is finally back home.
