A new addition to Houston’s culinary map is serving up bold Nigerian flavors with a modern twist. Suya Outpost, the brainchild of tech executive-turned-restaurateur Wayne Iluyomade, has opened in Humble, Texas, with a fresh take on West African cuisine presented in a fast-casual format.
Tucked into a busy strip center alongside diverse businesses—from a sushi bar to a cigar lounge—Suya Outpost is bringing cultural flavor to an otherwise conventional location. The restaurant’s mission is simple: deliver rich Nigerian taste with the speed and style of popular chains like Chipotle.
Located at 9502 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Suya Outpost joins a small but growing group of Nigerian eateries like ChopnBlok, catering to Houston’s sizable Nigerian-American community—one of the largest in the United States.
A New Kind of Suya Experience
The 52-seat space is sleek and inviting, tailored for quick, efficient service. Rather than traditional sit-down dining, customers queue up to build meals from a menu packed with flavorful options—burritos, bowls, salads, sandwiches, and even empanadas, all influenced by the rich spices of West Africa.
At the heart of the menu is suya, the iconic spice blend also known as yaji, made from ground peanuts, chili peppers, and other savory elements. Meats like beef and chicken are marinated in suya before being grilled and folded into jollof rice bowls or layered into warm tortillas and sandwiches.
The empanadas—a nod to West African meat pies—feature golden, flaky crusts made from imported Italian flour and are stuffed with slow-cooked beef or chicken mixed with potatoes and carrots.
A Vision Born From Experience
Iluyomade, who grew up in Nigeria and moved to the U.S. in 1987 to study in Maryland, has long had a passion for food. After years of working in finance and tech, he invested in his first restaurant over two decades ago. One of his early ventures, Suya Spot in Maryland, continues to thrive with multiple locations.
After relocating to Houston during the pandemic with his wife Lyn, Iluyomade sensed an opportunity to fill a gap in the local dining scene. With the help of Oxford Partners’ tenant rep Derek Savage, he secured the Humble location and launched Suya Outpost with a clear focus: bold taste, no fuss.
“People want fast and efficient service,” he said, estimating average orders will range between $16 and $18. “That’s what they value now.”
Expansion on the Horizon
Despite the restaurant’s recent launch, Iluyomade is already scouting for a second location. He believes that the Suya Outpost concept—quick service, high flavor, cultural pride—can resonate not just in Humble, but across the entire Houston area.
“People will decide for themselves,” he added, “but deep inside, I knew there was something unique we could build here.”
