Shabir Hussain
Few people embody the spirit of brilliant entrepreneurship coupled with achieving the highest standards in modern South Asian cuisine better than Shabir Hussain, the founder of the Akbars chain of restaurants.
From humble beginnings, starting with just a small 28 seat restaurant in the heart of Bradford City and through his sheer passion and determination, his culinary vision has always been to serve the very best in authentic South Asian food. His ethos has always been “anything is possible - it's just a case of how bad you want it”
With over 20 years of experience, Shabir is today the proud Chief Executive of over 10 restaurants employing more than 400 staff. Using his own creative flair, each of the Akbar's restaurants is personally designed by Shabir to create a stylish inviting atmosphere and to invoke the warmth and vibrancy of the exquisite South Asian food on offer.
Despite the rigors of overseeing his restaurants and whilst still remaining as the Executive Chef, Shabir never misses an opportunity to return to his homeland to search for new and exciting recipes and spices from all corners of the country, thus inspiring his beautifully spiced cuisine creating a luscious fusion of east and west.
Shabir's charismatic and flamboyant personality and insatiable appetite for identifying the latest trends has meant that Akbars is continuously evolving to deliver the very best to its customers.
As the popularity of Akbars continues to go from strength to strength and whilst winning numerous coveted accolades along the way for his cuisine, Shabir's long term vision is to take Akbars city to city across the UK.
On a personal level, Shabir is passionate about life and living every minute to the fullest. His hands-on approach means that Shabir strongly believes in giving back to the community.
Not forgetting his roots, he works tirelessly to support the local communities particularly young people who are inspired by his relentless hardwork and dedication in turning his dream into reality from a very young age. Today he is still a much loved role model and respected businessman to many.
If you would like to contact Shabir please email him on:
shabir.hussain@akbars.co.uk
01274 773311.
History
The Dream
Akbar's Restaurant was the dream of an 18-year-old boy, Shabir Hussain, who decided within six months of working in his first job that he wanted to open his own restaurant. He knew then, as early as 1988, that he was going to name it Akbar's.
Heres why. Firstly, Akbar was the name of his father to whom he dedicates the restaurant. Secondly, Akbar is a name widely known by everybody from the Far East across Asia over the Middle East up to the Mediterranean, and now the North East, across Yorkshire and up to the Midlands. As a name which exemplifies Greatness or The Great.
Our Past
In 1995 the dream was realised with the opening of a small restaurant, seating 28, on Leeds Road, Bradford. Since then, through sheer enthusiasm, determination and hard work, the restaurant has never looked back, always going from strength to strength. During that period Akbar's has gained a huge reputation for its high quality cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and first class service.
-1995 Bradford, Leeds Road
-2003 Leeds, Eastgate
-2004 Leeds, Greek Street
-2006 Manchester, Liverpool Road
-2006 York, George Hudson Street
-2007 Sheffield, Meadow Bank Road
-2008 Bradford Cafe, Leeds Road
-2009 Middlesbrough, Linthorpe Road
-2009 Birmingham, Hagley Road
Whilst the food at each restaurant is outstandingly consistent each restaurant has its own themed design. The restaurants have been designed to provide a contemporary atmosphere and carry a certain aura which is no less than being in any major city in the world.
Our Plans
With our Legendary restaurant status in the North of England continually growing we are pleased to announce our plans going forward:
Newcastle, St James Boulevard 2010
300 seat restaurant with banqueting facilities.