Tahnee Francis
Tahnee Francis is the owner and sole chef of Naija Wife Kitchen, a Nigerian fusion restaurant in downtown Oklahoma City. An American who married into a Nigerian family, Tahnee immersed herself in Nigerian cuisine and taught herself to cook, quickly developing a deep passion for the food and culture. What began as social media posts sharing her culinary creations quickly captured local interest, culminating in her first pop-up in October 2020, which sold out in just two hours. By October 2021, the growing demand led her to open her first brick-and-mortar location, where she now operates Monday through Friday, personally managing the kitchen while overseeing most business operations.
In addition to her culinary achievements, Tahnee has a distinguished pageant background, earning three titles between 2020 and 2022 at the local, national, and international levels. She now serves as a judge for scholarship pageants at local colleges, helping empower young women through mentorship and opportunity. Beyond her professional work, Tahnee is a passionate chronic illness advocate, openly sharing her journey with a spinal condition that required three major surgeries. Her personal experiences inform her dedication to community, empathy, and inspiring others to persevere despite challenges.
Tahnee’s innovative approach and commitment to cultural exchange through food earned her recognition as a James Beard Best Chef Southwest Semifinalist in 2025, an honor she achieved without formal culinary training. Her mission is to make Nigerian cuisine an everyday lunch staple in Oklahoma, creating interactive culinary experiences that bridge cultures and celebrate the richness of Nigerian food. As an author, speaker, and restaurateur, Tahnee continues to champion the fusion of passion, culture, and community in every aspect of her work.
• James Beard Best Chef Southwest Semifinalist 2025
• Mrs. Garland United States of America 2020
• Mrs. New Mexico United States of America 2021
• Mrs. Black Oklahoma International Ambassador 2022
• Scholarship Pageant Judge at Local Colleges
• Chronic Illness Advocacy
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to consistency. Even during challenging times—such as winter flare-ups that sometimes require me to close for a day—I make it a point to show up. Despite relocating three times, I have never closed my business; I’ve found temporary spaces to continue operations while my permanent locations were being built. I maintain a consistent presence on social media, but most importantly, I’ve invested in building genuine relationships with my community. People know me as Naija Wife, and they feel comfortable connecting with me. I make it a priority to support other local businesses, visiting different restaurants and fostering a sense of community, which has been integral to both my personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to be relentless and bet on yourself. Celebrate your own wins, even when no one else does. Show up every day, dress with intention, and remind yourself of your strength—small acts of confidence, like putting on red lipstick, can make a big difference. Consistency and self-belief are key to success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is staying motivated when recognition from others is limited. The opportunity lies in developing habits that build confidence and momentum—betting on yourself, showing up consistently, and giving yourself the encouragement you need to keep moving forward.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are consistency, community, bridging cultures, and family. These principles shape how I show up every day, build relationships, and create meaningful connections with those around me.