Nyeri town, along the dusty and bustling Gakere street, there is a captivating aroma that sets one street vendor apart from the rest. Patrick Gachuhi, a seasoned chicken vendor, has become a beloved figure in the local community, known for his mouth-watering roasted chickens that draw crowds every evening. His journey from struggling entrepreneur to successful vendor is one of perseverance, patience, and an undeniable culinary talent.
Gachuhi’s roasted chicken stall has become a beacon of delicious food in Nyeri. As dusk falls, the streets come alive with the din of human traffic, but it’s the irresistible scent of Gachuhi’s perfectly seasoned chicken that attracts locals. His culinary expertise, honed over the past two years, has turned his business into a favorite destination for those seeking an affordable, savory meal.
A Journey Through Life’s Hurdles
Patrick Gachuhi did not always enjoy the success he now basks in. Like many small business owners, he had to navigate life’s challenges and experiment with different ventures before finding his niche. “I ventured into many businesses before without breaking through until I decided to try my luck in selling roasted chicken,” he says. However, he quickly adds that the business isn’t as simple as many may perceive.
Gachuhi offers both broilers and the highly favored indigenous, or ‘kienyeji,’ chicken, which provides his customers with a variety of choices. He explains that broilers must be six weeks old before they are ready for cooking. “After I purchase the chickens, the first step is to slaughter and clean the birds with the help of my three colleagues,” he says.
His unique method of preparing the chicken has earned him a loyal clientele. “We season the meat with ginger and garlic, boil it, and then fry it on a hot metal grill until dry,” Gachuhi adds. The result is a tender and flavorful meal that keeps people coming back for more.
A Thriving Business Model
Gachuhi’s roadside eatery operates daily from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and while the business is physically demanding, he has found great satisfaction in it. His prices are notably affordable, catering to both low- and middle-income earners, with prices ranging from as low as KSh10 to KSh150. “My business runs from Monday to Sunday, but I can take an off day when I’m extremely fatigued,” Gachuhi explains. His earnings allow him to cover his children’s school fees, pay rent, support his family, and meet the needs of his employees.
His main suppliers are local farmers, many of whom have voiced concerns over the rising costs of poultry feed. Yet, despite this challenge, Gachuhi strives to keep his prices pocket-friendly, ensuring that there’s something for everyone who walks by his stall. Regular customer James Kimani attests to this, saying, “Normally, you can’t buy roasted chicken at those prices, but Gachuhi has found a way of accommodating all of us.”
Overcoming Challenges
Like any business, Gachuhi’s roadside venture has its challenges. “My stall is not in a strategic position, which makes it hard for new customers to locate me,” he says. Furthermore, the rising overhead costs, such as rent for the stall, eat into his profit margins, making it difficult to maintain steady earnings. However, Gachuhi’s resolve remains strong, and he has ambitious plans for the future.
“I intend to open a big restaurant in a strategic position in town to serve a larger number of customers,” he reveals. His long-term vision, coupled with his dedication to hygiene and customer satisfaction, has positioned him well for future success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Gachuhi’s success is built on resilience and persistence, and he encourages young people to adopt the same qualities in business. “This type of business calls for someone who is very persistent and resilient,” he advises. “There are days when you’ll come with your roasted chickens and end up not selling anything. But it all starts with one customer, and at the end, you’ll have many customers.”
For Gachuhi, the secret to success lies in keeping the bigger picture in mind and staying committed to gradual growth. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards that come from sticking to a vision, no matter the challenges along the way.
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