The founder and chief executive of famed authentic Indian restaurant Akbar’s has passed away at the age of 56. Shabir Hussain opened the first Akbar’s restaurant in Bradford in 1995 and went on to launch further sites across the country.
It now has ten restaurants, including a venue in Manchester on Liverpool Road in Castlefield which opened in 2006. Whilst no cause of death has been announced, Akbar’s said in a statement released this morning on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbar's Restaurant Group. READ MORE: Manchester's new late-night smashed burger spot from Almost Famous founder makes big promise “Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers.
May Allah (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time." Following the sad news, it has been announced that all ten of the Akbar’s restaurants will now close for two days as a mark of respect.
The sites are set to reopen at 5pm on Friday (October 18). Over the years, Mr Hussain gained the title of the ‘King of Curry’ thanks to a number of prestigious wins at the Asian Food and Restaurant Awards (AFRA).
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk