Despite Economic Woes A Local Entrepreneur Takes Her Business To Another Level

Illinois State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., Ciere Boatright, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), Nikkita Randle, Founder & Owner of Twisted Eggroll and Alderman William E. Hall. ”. Photo Credit: Jamieka Marsh of Moments Eazily Made. Photo Credit: Jamieka Marsh of Moments Eazily Made
Illinois State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., Ciere Boatright, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), Nikkita Randle, Founder & Owner of Twisted Eggroll and Alderman William E. Hall. ”. Photo Credit: Jamieka Marsh of Moments Eazily Made. Photo Credit: Jamieka Marsh of Moments Eazily Made

Despite Economic Woes A Local Entrepreneur Takes Her Business To Another Level 

By Citizen Staff Writer

On a mission to build a strong legacy and create generational wealth all while changing the economic landscape of her community through job creation and beautification, Nikkita Randle of “Twisted Egg Roll” is doing just that.


Nikkita Randle will soon enter the next chapter of her entrepreneur’s journey.    She is expanding what once was a pop-up, catering type E-Commerce business.  She is opening her first brick and mortar location after years of dedication, leaving a corporate job and walking in purpose.


Randle recently broke ground on the ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ new home facility.  The business facility will be located on the city’s south side where it will become neighbors to some of Chicago’s well-known eateries.    

 

With headlines peering across media outlets about closure of businesses, one of Chicago’s very own local black owned business owners has set out to change the trajectory of expanding even during uncertain times. 


‘Twisted Egg Roll’ owner Nikkita Randle is pushing forward with plans to open a new facility expanding her business despite what nay sayers are saying about a sluggish economy.   Small businesses are the power force behind community economic growth, and she plans to prove that. 


In a Q & A interview, Citizen talked with Nikkita Randle, about her business expansion and legacy building. She plans on being the difference in her community that she wants to see.  She has plans to provide opportunities for young people and to bring beauty and luster back to the community. 


CITIZEN: Nikkita, you took your dreams of entrepreneurship to new heights by starting ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ as an e-commerce business several years ago after walking away from a corporate job. Tell us what the journey has been like, from corporate catering and pop-ups to now a brick-and-mortar location.  


NIKKITA: The journey has been a testimony of faith and tenacity.  We have been blessed with highs such as being in Foxtrot and Dom's, then a 140-store deal in 22 states with Sprouts Farmers Market. 


We've experienced economic lows, when businesses such as Foxtrot and Dom's went bankrupt and abruptly closed, while businesses such as Sprouts ended our partnership due to low sales, we didn't have the funds to market and or provide demo’s. 


In 2022, we found our dream location, but we could not close on the property until 2026.  And, because of the delay and not being able to occupy the space needed, we decided to pause going back into stores until we are in our new facility. 

We were able to gain investors along the way and lost them.  But through it all Christ was the firm foundation, so I continued to trust the vision he placed in my heart.


CITIZEN: Nikkita, businesses in the black and brown community, faces daily struggles. Tell us why you chose a brick-and-mortar now.  


NIKKITA: I wanted to pour into a disenfranchised neighborhood.  I wanted to help circulate more wealth within our community and offer job opportunities.  I think investing in our own community is always a brand, not a trend. 


CITIZEN: Nikkita, tells us about the economic development impact that ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ will have on the South Side community in which will be located.


NIKKITA: The original idea that the City of Chicago had was to revitalize the 75th St corridor. Previously, it was called Restaurant Row, and it was a thriving centerpiece of the Chatham/Grand Crossing community.  We plan to have a powerful impact by collaborating with our neighbors, working with the Alderman, hiring locally, and working with local churches, schools, and organizations. 


CITIZEN: Building legacies is important as it creates pathways for the future. Tell us how staying focused and being determine has helped you with your own legacy. 


NIKKITA: I lost my father to ALS in 2010 and prior to his death he planted a seed in me about leaving a legacy through entrepreneurship.  I refuse to quit, because in every family there is that one person that does the work that forever changes the future of their family for generations to come.    I believe I was chosen for this task, and if I quit, it changes the trajectory of our family's legacy forever, and with that, quitting is not an option.


CITIZEN: What can the community look forward to when they visit the new ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ location?


NIKKITA: They can look forward to creative and tasteful eats, a monthly ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ flavor of the month, great vibes, and quality service.  We are huge on community, and we are looking forward to engaging with them. We want to train and open doors of opportunities in manufacturing to our youth. 

To learn more about the ‘Twisted Egg Roll’ story and its owner’s successful journey, visit them at: twistedeggroll.com.


 

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Victor Love- Mentalhood Cultural Initiative