After nearly a decade of serving up gourmet delights, AJ's Gourmet has announced its permanent closure, marking the end of an era for Lagos' culinary landscape. Founded in 2018 by Ajemina Alabraba and Ajoke Animashaun, AJ's Gourmet quickly became a go-to spot for many in Lagos, known for its catering services and popular mini burgers.

The closure announcement came as a shock to many, especially after a cryptic post just a week earlier. In that post, AJ's Gourmet stated they were "still closed" and warned customers about fraudulent impersonators selling similar food items.

This raised eyebrows and left many wondering about the future of the beloved company.

In their final message to customers, AJ's Gourmet reflected on their journey:

"For nearly a decade, The AJs Gourmet has been at the forefront of your memories and milestones. Dish after dish, tray after tray, and event after event, we turned up and showed out serving you across the country."

The farewell note was filled with gratitude, thanking everyone from family and friends to staff, clients, event planners, collaborators, vendors, suppliers, and their online community. They emphasized how much they valued the unwavering support they received over the years.

Reactions to the closure have been emotional, with many customers expressing sadness and concern. Social media has been flooded with messages praising AJ's Gourmet's contribution to Lagos' food scene and sharing memories of favorite dishes and events.

While this chapter may be closing, AJ's Gourmet hinted at potential future endeavors, stating, "This may be farewell but we hope we can continue to count on your well wishes and support in our future endeavours." This has left some fans hopeful that they haven't seen the last of AJ's creations.

The exact reasons for the closure remain unclear, as does the nature of the fraud warning issued in their penultimate post. However, what's certain is that AJ's Gourmet had become a significant part of Lagos' food culture during its operation.

As Lagos says goodbye to yet another culinary institution, it's clear that AJ's Gourmet's impact on the city's food scene will be remembered fondly. Their closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly in the food and beverage industry.

For now, Lagos foodies will have to find new spots to satisfy their gourmet cravings. But if the hints in AJ's farewell message are anything to go by, we might not have seen the last of the magic that made AJ's Gourmet a Lagos favorite.