Uganda’s Cafejavas sets up base in Nairobi

A Kampala-based coffee-themed restaurant has set up base in Nairobi expanding its operations outside of Uganda for the first time.

The Mandela Group-owned Cafejavas has opened up a restaurant along Koinange Street bringing its full-service, quick casual generous servings to the city’s coffee lovers.

“We commit to great food, great coffee, great service, an experience that will make you long for more. Every meal is a master-piece,” it said.

C.Js is the newest Coffee place / Gastronomy place in Nairobi – Koingage Street. Let these pictures do the talking pic.twitter.com/RyJ5wbcjRU

— Nairobi Caffeine (@NairobiCaffeine) April 19, 2018

The chain has seven locations around Kampala and one in Entebbe. Kenyans have taken to social media to express their expectations with regard to the new kid on the bloc.

@Cjs_254 bringing the game to their doorstep with their brilliant finger licking cuisines ,Welcome to Nairobi.Hope to enjoy the same brewed african tea @cafejavas_ug

— Idhow Y. Hussein (@Hidhow) April 19, 2018

Have heard so many great things about @cafejavas_ug hope they maintain the same standards esp those portions in Nairobi @Cjs_254 pic.twitter.com/MjJuHSHzhk

— Treats By Muthoni (@treatsKE) April 19, 2018

@cafejavas_ug is welcome to Nairobi with a different brand but offering the same excellent service and delicious food.

— Ahmed Ismail (@ahmedsas20) April 16, 2018

Had lunch @ CafeJavas,Oasis Mall, #Kampala–good food, HUGE portions &wonderful service. Mighty similar 2 Java Nairobi tho. Maybe 2 similar?

— ChickAboutTown (@ChickAboutTown) January 19, 2012

Cafejavas’ entry into Kenya is, however, without controversy. About three years ago, it obtained a court order blocking the entry of Kenya’s Java House, citing trademark infringements. Perhaps to avoid a similar scenario, Cafejavas’ Nairobi restaurant has been branded as CJs.

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The chain also plans to open another branch at Village Market. It is likely to offer stiff competition to Javas because its prices are also fairly low. However, because of its Muslim ownership, it does not sell alcohol and pork.

The Mandela Group was founded by brothers who also operate petrol stations and car tyre dealerships. It is the parent company to City Tyres, City Oil, City Lubes, City World, Savers, and Mandela Auto Spares.