Royal Premium Restaurant Pastries and Lounge has opened its doors in the Stonebridge neighborhood, bringing the vibrant flavors of Nigeria and West Africa to Saskatoon. The restaurant is owned by Olugbenga and Oluwatoyin Fakoyejo, who immigrated to Canada from Nigeria eight years ago. They began catering events in Saskatoon and Calgary five years ago before deciding to establish a permanent location.
A Dream Realized
When asked about the inspiration behind the restaurant, Olugbenga Fakoyejo explained that it was driven by client demand. "We opened our restaurant based on our client's request. They wanted more of the quality and menu style we offer, on a daily basis. We got the encouragement from our client base to open and offer them something exciting," he said. The couple aims to contribute to the province by promoting trade and tourism through authentic African cuisine.
Oluwatoyin Fakoyejo brings years of culinary experience, having cooked at her mother's restaurant in Nigeria and later working with a catering service in Canada. She has catered for birthday parties, weddings, and events in both Saskatoon and Calgary. The restaurant project took 18 months, including approvals and construction of a brand-new space.
What Sets Royal Premium Apart
The restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes Nigerian and West African dishes, as well as Caribbean and American cuisine. Olugbenga emphasizes their commitment to quality and consistency. "We offer the best of varieties, and we have a track record of quality and consistency giving customers the best experience in terms of service. And we also have a collaborative approach to work with customers on achieving the best menu for them," he said. The restaurant provides a daily menu plan so customers can choose their preferred dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Signature Dishes
One of the standout items is the jollof rice, a beloved West African staple. The Fakoyejos take particular pride in this dish, as Olugbenga notes: "Jollof rice is one of our signature dishes. It is one of the most popular staples of Africa. There was a jollof rice competition held in Saskatoon last year. We represented Nigeria and won the best jollof rice award." The jollof rice features a rich blend of tomato sauce and Nigerian spices, offering a lively and flavorful experience. "Our restaurant is known as the queen of jollof rice where you can get the best jollof rice in Saskatoon," he added.
The restaurant serves a variety of other dishes, all prepared with nutritious ingredients by a well-trained head chef. The Fakoyejos are dedicated to providing an upscale yet affordable dining experience, ensuring that every customer enjoys the best tastes of Africa.
