A Night of Vision, Flavor, and Community
The exclusive evening drew an eclectic crowd of industry leaders, celebrity guests, creatives, food connoisseurs, and close friends of the brand. The launch, both intimate and impactful, was elevated by support from high-profile sponsors including Knorr, Coca-Cola, PESA, Vendy, Eventful Plus, Elles Ice, and Sara.O—each reflecting the premium stature of the Chef Fregz Group.
Guests were greeted with curated cocktails and a selection of gourmet small chops—beef sliders, tozo puffs, chicken suya, and glazed prawns—all masterfully crafted and served by Canapés by Chef Fregz, one of the newly launched sub-brands. This welcoming culinary experience set the tone for the evening, embodying the finesse and flavor the Chef Fregz brand has become synonymous with.
The Heart Behind the Vision
The program kicked off with opening remarks by Chef Wayne Lawal, Head Chef of the Group, and a moment of worship that anchored the evening in gratitude and purpose. The highlight was a fireside chat with Chef Fregene himself, who offered a heartfelt reflection on the journey that led to this milestone.
“This moment is the manifestation of a dream I’ve carried in my heart for over two decades,” Chef Fregz shared. “Long before the brand, long before the accolades—I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. Something that spoke to our culture, our creativity, and our community.”
His words resonated deeply, especially as he spoke candidly about the personal and professional challenges of the past year, underscoring that FOURWARD is not just a launch, but a triumph of vision and resilience.
The Big Reveal: Four Brands, One Mission
The emotional peak of the evening came with the official unveiling of the Chef Fregz Group’s four new brands, introduced by Yewande Zaccheaus, Chairman of Eventful. Each brand reflects a facet of Chef Fregz’s passion and purpose:
- Iya Freggz: A tribute to Nigerian heritage, celebrating bold local flavors and soul food.
- The Fregz Atelier: A creative consultancy offering branding, strategy, and storytelling for individuals and businesses seeking to tell their stories with clarity and impact.
- Jaiye: A vibrant culinary experience that fuses global cuisines with the pure joy of shared dining.
- Canapés by Chef Fregz: A luxury catering service tailored for high-end events, known for refined small plates and elegant presentation.
A Dialogue on Innovation and Impact
Following the unveiling, a panel discussion ensued featuring Cassandra Collins, Marketing Manager at PESA, and Samson Ogunfunwa, Lead of Sales & Partnerships at Vendy. The conversation, moderated by Chef Fregene, explored entrepreneurship, innovation, and the power of cross-sector collaboration. The Q&A segment saw guests dive deep into themes of purpose, legacy, and the future of the culinary and creative industries in Nigeria.
A New Beginning Built on Legacy
In his closing remarks, Chef Fregz expressed heartfelt gratitude to his team, collaborators, and every individual who had been part of his journey. He emphasized that while FOURWARD represents a new beginning, it is deeply rooted in years of labor, learning, and unwavering love for food, culture, and community.
With this ambitious launch, Chef Fregz is not just expanding his brand—he’s pioneering a movement that bridges food, creativity, and identity. The Chef Fregz Group’s emergence signals a bold, flavorful, and forward-thinking future for Nigeria’s culinary landscape.
