Nuli’s First U.S. Expansion
Lagos-based fast‑casual chain Nuli, founded by Ada Osakwe, is debuting in Washington, D.C. this August. It offers innovative healthy African dishes—think jollof bowls, fonio salads, moringa smoothies, and vegan wraps—reinventing African cuisine for the global fast‑food audience. Proceeds also support female farmers across Africa ..give me full update
Launch Details – Washington, D.C.
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Grand Opening: Nuli, the Lagos-based healthy fast-casual concept founded in 2016 by Ada Osakwe, is set to open its first U.S. location in August 2025 at The Square food hall, 1850 K Street NW in downtown D.C. Instagram+7Eater DC+7LinkedIn+7
Menu Highlights: The D.C. location will feature signature dishes like jollof bowls, fonio and couscous salads, tandoori chicken, spicy prawns, lamb meatballs, vegan “meat” wraps, sweet plantain fries, and unique local additions: moin‑moin bean cakes, moringa smoothies, and parfaits. Gluten‑free cassava‑flour naan wraps are also brand new to this location
Why D.C.? A Strategic Choice
Inspired by frontrunners: Like Cava and Sweetgreen—both D.C.-born fast‑casual brands that went national—Osakwe sees the capital as fertile ground for African‑inspired fast food Facebook+3Eater DC+3Washington DC Economic Partnership+3.
Support from U.S. agencies: Ada revealed she’s been working on the U.S. launch since 2023, attending SelectUSA in Maryland in 2024 and forming key partnerships with U.S. agencies, fast-tracking her market entry
Brand Uniqueness & Menu Innovation
Cultural fusion: By blending West African fonio, couscous from North African influence, and Indian‑style naan wraps (“Naaninis”), Nuli spotlights Africa’s diverse flavor spectrum Brookings+7Eater DC+7How we made it in Africa+7.
Superfood ethos: The menu emphasizes nutrient-rich ingredients—egusi dressings, moringa smoothies, fonio bowls—reinforcing Nuli’s health-conscious identity
