Shabir Hussain, the founder and CEO of the popular Akbar’s Restaurant Group, has passed away at the age of 56. The news was shared by Janaza Announcements, a Muslim bereavement service, earlier today.
Akbar’s, which began as a small 28-seat restaurant in Bradford in 1995, has since grown into a successful chain with 10 restaurants across the North of England, Scotland, and the Midlands. Hussain’s leadership and vision were instrumental in expanding the brand into one of the most recognised names in Pakistani cuisine in the UK.
In a statement on the Akbar’s official Facebook page, the company expressed their sadness: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group. All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday, October 18 at 5pm.”
The restaurant group will temporarily close its doors until Friday to mourn the loss of its founder.