Akbar's: Hugely popular Manchester Indian restaurant announces temporary closure 'with great sadness'
A hugely popular Manchester Indian restaurant is to close temporarily after the death of its owner aged 56.
Akbar CEO Shabir Hussain, known as the ‘king of curry’ and inventor of the ‘naan tree,’ announced he was battling cancer last year.
Akbar’s Restaurant Group posted on Facebook: “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 18th October at 5pm. 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.”
The first Akbar’s opened in 1995 in from “humble beginnings,” according to the restaurant chain’s website, with a small restaurant of just 28 seats in Bradford.
Today there are 10 locations in total. The Manchester location on Liverpool Road opened in 2006 and it quickly became one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the city. It is known for its hanging ‘naan trees.’
Danny Malin who runs Rate My Takeaway Kitchen and Youtube channel led tributes to the entrepreneur. He said he has been inspired by Shabir. He said: “Shabir was a pioneer in the Indian food world. He invented the naan tree which now so many others try and replicate. He will be sadly missed. I’m in shock. What a legend.”