The Jollof Club chooses community funding for its first permanent location in Amsterdam-Zuidoost
Nicolas Aquaa & Bunmi Okolosi of The Jollof Club
Dishes of The Jollof Club
Dishes of The Jollof Club
The West African restaurant concept The Jollof Club in Amsterdam is taking its next step. Chef Nicolas Aquaa and hospitality entrepreneur Bunmi Okolosi will open their first permanent location in spring 2026 at Klein Bijlmerplein (Bijlmerplein 508) in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. To make this possible, they have consciously chosen crowdfunding via CrowdAboutNow.
With this campaign, they are not only building financial support, but above all a community. Future guests, fans, and local residents can become co-creators from the very beginning. “We want people to feel part of this story from day one,” says Bunmi Okolosi. “Not just as guests, but as a community.”
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The Jollof Club | From pop-ups to a permanent location
Over the past few years, The Jollof Club has grown into a well-known West African restaurant concept thanks to sold-out pop-ups at venues such as Borisov (Houthavens) and The Hoxton Amsterdam, as well as collaborations with Nazka and Kafé Kontrast. At the moment, dishes by The Jollof Club can be tasted at MILK Café at Melkweg, until March 22.
Now it is time for a permanent base in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, a deliberate choice due to the area’s young, diverse, and engaged community. Instead of traditional financing, Nicolas Aquaa and bunmi Okolosi are opting for a publicly accessible campaign. In return for their support, backers receive exclusive events, previews, and privileges upon opening. This creates a direct connection between makers and audience even before the doors officially open.
According to CrowdAboutNow, The Jollof Club is a strong example of entrepreneurship with social and community impact. The crowdfunding campaign strengthens not only the financial foundation, but also the network of ambassadors surrounding the concept.
Community as the foundation
The Jollof Club stands for West African flavours, high-end culinary technique, and a distinct cultural narrative. Chef Nicolas Aquaa translates his Ghanaian and Nigerian roots into a modern menu, incorporating Dutch seasonal ingredients. Food, music, and culture come together in a community-driven concept.
Dishes of The Jollof Club
The crowdfunding campaign therefore marks not a starting point, but the next phase in an already existing relationship with guests. As Nicolas Aquaa puts it: “It’s not just about capital, but about trust, connection, and shared ownership.”
More information about the campaign can be found via the websites of The Jollof Club and CrowdAboutNow. Or check out their story in the reel below!
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Website: The Jollof Club
