CJ’s Restaurant is one of Nairobi’s well-known casual dining restaurant chains owned by Ahmed Omar Mandela, a popular Ugandan tycoon, and it offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine. Its menu features more than 300 food and beverage items, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
The restaurant has built a reputation for its modern interiors, spacious seating, and table-service dining experience, making it a popular choice for family meals, business meetings, and social gatherings.
Who is Ahmed Omar Mandela
Ahmed Omar Mandela is a Ugandan billionaire businessman and philanthropist, also known as Hajji Omar Mandela.
Born in 1958 in Kampala, he studied economics at Makerere University and began his career in banking before launching his business empire in 1983.
He is the founder of the Mandela Group of Companies, with interests in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, automotive, oil, and related businesses.
Ahmed Omar Mandela is also widely associated with Café Javas/CJ’s restaurants and has led Sports Club Villa (SC Villa) in Uganda.
Beyond business, he has served as president of Sports Club Villa (SC Villa), one of Uganda’s major football clubs.
The Rise of CJ’s in Uganda
Ahmed Omar Mandela founded Café Javas under the Mandela Group of Companies with the goal of transforming Uganda’s casual dining sector.
The restaurant was created to provide quality meals, consistent service, and a comfortable dining experience at affordable prices.
The first Café Javas outlet opened on Bombo Road next to a City Oil service station. It quickly attracted a large customer base, particularly among middle-income and working-class diners, earning a reputation for its extensive menu and value for money.
Following the strong reception of its first outlet, the brand expanded steadily across Kampala. Today, Café Javas operates nine branches in Uganda, including eight in Kampala and one in Entebbe.
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How CJ’s Turned Into a Household Restaurant Brand in Kenya
Ugandan businessman Ahmed Omar Mandela expanded his restaurant business into Kenya in 2018 after the success of Café Javas in Uganda.
However, the company’s entry into the Kenyan market was delayed by a trademark dispute with Java House over the use of the “Café Javas” name.
Following the legal challenge, the restaurant adopted the name CJ’s for its Kenyan operations.
The first CJ’s outlet opened on Koinange Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District in April 2018.
The restaurant chain later expanded its presence with branches within Nairobi and, in 2024, along Nyerere Road in Mombasa.
“From Nairobi to Mombasa and beyond! CJ’s has 7 locations across Kenya, including our spots at BBS Mall and Nyerere Road. Come experience the CJ’s difference,” the restaurant announced on its social media platforms.
Today, CJ’s is among Kenya’s well-known casual dining restaurant chains, serving a wide range of local and international cuisine.
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CJ’s Restaurant Locations in Kenya
CJ’s has expanded its footprint across Kenya, operating restaurants in key commercial and residential areas such as;
- Kilimani
- Koinange Street
- Village Market
- The Waterfront Mall, Karen
- The Imaara Mall
- Lavington
- BBS Mall
- Acacia
- Promenade Mall
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