Cafe Javas, popularly known as CJ’s, is one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in Kenya, recognized for its diverse menu and welcoming ambiance.
However, many are unaware that its origins lie in Uganda. CJ’s is part of the Mandela Group of Companies, a conglomerate owned by the Ugandan business mogul Ahmed Omar Mandela, who has investments in various sectors including hospitality, automotive, oil, and manufacturing.
Mandela is also the president of Sports Club Villa (SC Villa), one of Uganda’s leading football clubs.
Omar Mandela’s journey began with a single restaurant on Bombo Road in Kampala, Uganda, known for its exceptional coffee and delectable food.
The restaurant quickly gained popularity, leading to long queues of customers eager to taste its offerings. Encouraged by this success, Mandela expanded the brand, opening eight branches in Kampala and one in Entebbe by 2022.
In 2018, Mandela took the bold step of expanding into Kenya, opening the first CJ’s branch at the junction of Koinange and Biashara Streets in Nairobi.
However, the restaurant faced legal resistance from Java House, which argued that the similarity in names might confuse customers. As a result, Cafe Javas rebranded to CJ’s in the Kenyan market.
Despite the legal challenges, CJ’s flourished and grew to include five branches in Nairobi, quickly becoming a favorite spot for dining among Kenyans. In addition to the restaurant chain, the Mandela Group of Companies owns several other businesses, including City Tyres, City Oil, City Lubes, City World, Savers, Food Hub, Mandela Millers, and Mandela Auto Spares.
Today, CJ’s is a staple in the Kenyan food scene, offering a world-class dining experience that combines great food with a relaxing atmosphere. Its success is a testament to the vision and determination of Ahmed Omar Mandela, who has successfully expanded his business empire from Uganda to Kenya.
