In the ever-evolving hospitality scene in Ghana, few brands have managed to carve out a distinct identity quite like Ten25 Cafe. At the heart of this success story is Safoa Graham, an entrepreneur whose passion for people and hospitality has transformed a simple idea into a thriving Afrofusion destination.
A Journey Rooted in People and Passion
Safoa’s journey into hospitality didn’t begin in Ghana it started in the United Kingdom, where she studied tourism at Hammersmith College in West London before moving into Human Resource Management. But beyond the certificates and qualifications, one thing stood out early: her natural ability to connect with people.
“I’ve always loved welcoming people into a space,” she shares. “Hospitality felt very natural to me.”
That love for hosting, creating experiences, and bringing people together would later become the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.
The Meaning Behind ‘Ten25 Cafe’
The name Ten25 Cafe is more than just a brand—it’s personal. It represents Safoa’s birthday, October 25th, a day she traditionally spends hosting friends and loved ones.
“I love a party. I love creating an experience,” she explains. “So it was very natural that the name had to reflect that.”
Interestingly, her former business partner shares the same birthday, making the name even more meaningful and symbolic of shared vision and energy.
Redefining the Cafe Experience in Ghana
What sets Ten25 Cafe apart is its Afrofusion concept a deliberate blend of continental and African cuisine in a relaxed cafe setting.
At a time when such a concept was largely missing in Ghana’s food space, Safoa saw an opportunity:
- A place where you can enjoy a full English breakfast
- And still indulge in a local favorite like beans and plantain (gobɛ)
This fusion not only fills a market gap but also reflects the evolving tastes of modern Ghanaian consumers who appreciate both local and global flavors.
The Real Challenges Behind the Scenes
Running a restaurant in Ghana is far from glamorous. Safoa highlights three core challenges:
1. Sourcing and Consistency
Maintaining quality ingredients especially for continental dishes can be unpredictable. Suppliers change, products become unavailable, and consistency becomes difficult to maintain.
2. Staffing and Training
From punctuality to following recipes precisely, managing people requires constant attention. In her words, “training, training, training” is the backbone of consistency.
3. Economic Pressures
Currency fluctuations and rising costs make financial planning difficult. Businesses often absorb these changes to avoid passing the burden to customers.
Leading with Empathy: A Different Approach to Retention
One of Safoa’s most powerful insights is her approach to people management. Rather than focusing solely on business outcomes, she emphasizes human connection.
“You cannot treat your role as an employer as separate from dealing with human beings,” she explains.
By understanding her staff’s personal challenges and building genuine relationships, she has created a workplace culture that encourages loyalty even among former employees who return to support the business during events.
Making Tough Decisions for Long-Term Growth
Entrepreneurship often requires difficult choices. For Safoa, one of the toughest was shutting down a bakery operation she had heavily invested in due to inconsistency in quality.
While it came at a cost, the decision paid off. After restructuring, the bakery has returned stronger—proving that sometimes, stepping back is necessary for growth.
The Power of Branding and Social Media
Located in a less visible area, Ten25 Cafe relies heavily on digital platforms to attract customers. Social media and tools like Google Maps have become essential in helping people discover the space.
Through consistent content and engagement, the brand has turned a location challenge into a digital advantage.
Staying Relevant in a Competitive Industry
In a crowded food industry, relevance comes down to a few key factors:
- Consistency in quality and experience
- Continuous menu innovation
- Affordable pricing
- Creating a safe, welcoming space
For Safoa, customer satisfaction isn’t optional it’s the core of the brand.
Balancing Business and Well-being
Running a restaurant can be exhausting, but Safoa has learned the importance of stepping back.
By building strong operational structures, she allows herself occasional breaks to avoid burnout an often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship.
The Vision: Expansion and Excellence
Looking ahead, the future of Ten25 Cafe is ambitious and clear:
- Expansion into multiple locations
- Refinement of existing systems
- An even richer Afrofusion menu
With a solid foundation already in place, scaling the brand is no longer just a dream it’s the next logical step.
Final Thoughts
Safoa Graham’s story is a powerful reminder that successful businesses are built not just on strategy, but on passion, resilience, and people.
ThroughTen25 Cafe, she has not only created a dining destination but also a space where culture, connection, and experience come together seamlessly.
And in doing so, she continues to inspire a new generation of African women to build boldly, lead with empathy, and create with purpose.
