Akbar’s restaurant chain founder Shabir Hussain dies aged 56

Shabir Hussain, the founder and CEO of the renowned Bradford-based restaurant chain Akbar’s, has sadly passed away at the age of 56.

The news was shared by the Muslim bereavement service, Janaza Announcements, on the morning of his passing. Hussain, who opened the first Akbar’s restaurant in 1995 with just 28 seats in Bradford, grew the brand into one of the UK’s most beloved Indian restaurant chains. By 2024, Akbar’s had expanded to 10 locations across the North, Scotland, and the Midlands.

As a mark of respect, all Akbar’s restaurants will be closed until 5pm on Friday 18th October. In a heartfelt message on the restaurant’s Facebook page, the company expressed its deep sorrow, announcing the temporary closure and paying tribute to their founder’s legacy.