Nigerian chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci has captured widespread attention online after a viral video showed her personally stepping out of her restaurant to invite passersby to patronise the business. The clip, which surfaced on social media on August 5, 2026, depicts Baci wearing an apron as she walks to the roadside and engages potential customers, offering discounts to entice them inside.
In the footage, Baci is heard saying, “Hello. It’s lunchtime,” while encouraging people passing by to come into her restaurant. She also promises discounts to those who stop to listen. As she continues her pitch, several vehicles are seen turning into the restaurant’s driveway, with Baci personally ushering customers inside as a small crowd gathers.
Hands-On Marketing Approach Generates Praise
The video, originally shared by Instablog9ja on Twitter, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions from Nigerians. Many users praised the chef for her direct and personal approach to promoting her business, noting that such hands-on marketing is rare among established entrepreneurs.
“This is what real hustle looks like,” one commenter wrote. “She’s not too big to get her hands dirty.” Others highlighted the importance of customer engagement, with some noting that the gesture humanises her brand and builds a personal connection with her clientele.
From Cooking Marathon to Culinary Empire
Hilda Baci rose to international fame in 2023 after her record-breaking cooking marathon attempt, which drew global media attention. Since then, she has leveraged her fame to grow her food brand, expanding her restaurant and launching other culinary ventures. Her latest move underscores her commitment to hands-on business management, even as her profile continues to rise.
The video comes amid broader conversations about entrepreneurship, customer service, and the creative ways business owners attract customers in a competitive market. In Nigeria’s bustling food industry, where competition is fierce, Baci’s approach offers a lesson in proactive engagement.
Reactions Highlight Entrepreneurial Spirit
Social media users have drawn parallels between Baci’s actions and the everyday struggles of small business owners, applauding her for staying grounded despite her fame. Some have even suggested that her approach could inspire other restaurateurs to adopt similar tactics.
“This is a masterclass in marketing,” a Twitter user posted. “She’s showing that no promotion is too small when you’re building a business.” Others noted that the video reflects a broader trend of celebrities taking direct roles in their businesses, rather than relying solely on hired managers.
Ongoing Conversations on Business Growth
The incident has also reignited discussions on the challenges facing Nigerian entrepreneurs, from high operating costs to the need for innovative customer acquisition strategies. Baci’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone has been cited as an example of the resilience required to succeed.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder that even the most successful chefs and business owners must sometimes get their hands dirty to keep the doors open and the customers coming.
