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{{short description|British Restaurateur of Pakistani origin}}
{{Short description|British-Pakistani entrepreneur and activist}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=March 2024}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=March 2024}}
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}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2022}}
<!-- Note: The following pages were redirects to [[Suleman_Raza]] before draftification:
*[[Draft:Raja Suleman Raza]]
*[[Draft:Suleman Raza]]
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|MBE}}
⚫
| name = Suleman Raza
| image = Suleman Raza British Food Entrepreneur and Restaurateurs.jpg
| image =
| birth_place = [[Rawalpindi]], [[Pakistan]]
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1980|8}}
| nationality = [[British Pakistani]]
| birth_place = [[Rawalpindi]], Pakistan
| nationality = British, Pakistani
| occupation = [[Restaurateurs|Restaurateur]], [[Entrepreneurship|Entrepreneur]], [[Chef]] and [[Activist]] for vulnerable people living in [[London]], [[UK]]
| occupation = Restaurateur, entrepreneur, chef and activist
| style = [[Pakistani cuisine]]
| style = [[Pakistani cuisine]]
| known_for = {{Plainlist|
| known_for = [[Muslim]] [[British Pakistani]] founder of One Million Meals campaign which was honored with the [[Points of Light]] award by [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]] in [[London]], [[UK]]
* Founder of One Million Meals
| honours = [[Points of Light]], Local Community Hero, GG2 Spirit in the Community Award, 14th [[British Curry Awards]], 11th Asian Curry Awards, Award of Excellence in Catering Industry and Curry King 2019
* Owner of Spice Village
| website = {{URL|https://spicevillage.co.uk/|Suleman Raza at Spice Village}}
}}
⚫
| honours = {{Plainlist|
* [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]]
* [[Points of Light]]
}}
}}
}}


'''Suleman Raza''' is a [[British Pakistanis|British Pakistani]] food [[Entrepreneurship|entrepreneur]], [[restaurateur]], and [[Activism|activist]] living in [[London]], [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|date=2020-12-06|title=How will 6 muslim entrepreneurs lift the economy post Covid19|url=https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/2020/12/bright-british-brains-muslim-entrepreneurs-speak-about-how-they-will-lift-the-economy/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=British Muslim Magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-07|title=Pakistani activist starts One Million Meals campaign with David Beckham|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/07-Sep-2020/pakistani-activist-starts-one-million-meals-campaign-with-david-beckham|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Daily Pakistan Global|language=en}}</ref> He also owns the cricket franchise [[Mirpur Royals]] in the [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|Kashmir Premier League (KPL)]] to support and promote the Mirpur talent globally.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-05|title=Suleman Raza buys Mirpur Royals to promote Mirpur globally|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/801606/suleman-raza-buys-mirpur-royals-to-promote-mirpur-globally/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Daily Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-06|title=Suleman Raza pays tribute to Mirpuri culture through Mirpur Royals|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/06-Aug-2021/suleman-raza-pays-tribute-to-mirpuri-culture-through-mirpur-royals|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Daily Pakistan Global|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-12|title=Mum’s prayers credited for thriller KPL win for Mirpur Royals|url=https://en.baaghitv.com/mums-prayers-credited-for-thriller-kpl-win-for-mirpur-royals/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=BaaghiTV English|language=en-US}}</ref> He launched the One Million Meals, a charitable campaign began in March 2020 to feed [[National Health Service|NHS]] staff, keyworkers, and other vulnerable people during the lockdown imposed in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. He kickstarted the campaign by donating 10,000 nutritious meals from his own restaurant chain, Spice Village, and event venue, Grand Sapphire Hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-15|title=Businessmen took on different day jobs to help heroes tackle Covid-19|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/businessmen-took-on-different-day-jobs-to-help-heroes-tackle-covid-19/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=EasternEye|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-17|title=‘Local Community Hero’ and restaurateur recognised for ‘One Million Meals’ charity campaign|url=https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/local-community-hero-and-restaurateur-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign-2/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=South London News|language=en-GB}}</ref> He reached out to the food industry and served hundreds of thousands of free nutritious meals by raising funds, donations and collaborations using [[GoFundMe]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-22|title=One Million Meals|url=https://www.chrisphilp.com/one-million-meals/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Chris Philp|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kindness in the Community Award {{!}} Merton Council|url=https://www.merton.gov.uk/communities-and-neighbourhoods/kindness-in-the-community-award|access-date=2021-12-11|website=www.merton.gov.uk}}</ref> Various celebrities like [[David Beckham]], [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]], and many mainstream media outlets supported the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Salam|first=Hamza Azhar|date=2020-09-07|title=Migrant entrepreneur Suleman Raza’s One Million Meals campaign with David Beckham wins praise in UK|url=https://migrantnews.co.uk/2020/09/07/migrant-entrepreneur-suleman-razas-one-million-meals-campaign-with-david-beckham-wins-praise-in-uk/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Migrant News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-07|title=COVID-19: David Beckham supports new ‘One Million Meals' initiative to feed our front-line NHS staff & key-workers|url=https://www.keepthefaith.co.uk/2020/04/07/covid-19-david-beckham-supports-new-one-million-meals-initiative-to-feed-our-front-line-nhs-staff-key-workers/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Keep The Faith ® The UK's Black and multi-ethnic Christian magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref> The [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|UK Prime Minister]], [[Boris Johnson]], recognized the charitable work of the One Million Meals campaign with the [[Points of Light]] award.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-12|title=One Million Meals|url=https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/one-million-meals/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Points of Light|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-21|title=PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian service|url=https://www.globalvillagespace.com/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-for-humanitarian-service/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Global Village Space|language=en-US}}</ref> Moreover, the [[House of Lords]] awarded Raza with the Local Community Hero for his humanitarian services in London.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2021-09-15|title=Spice Village owner & others recognised as ‘Local Community Heroes’ for charity work|url=https://www.feedthelion.co.uk/restaurants-charity-awards-house-lords/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Feed the Lion|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=FNB News - Local community hero recognised for one million meals charity campaign {{!}} FNB News|url=http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/local-community-hero-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign-65144|access-date=2021-11-03|website=www.fnbnews.com}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2021-09-16|title=Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work|url=https://developcroydon.com/croydon-hotelier-wins-local-community-hero-award-for-charity-work/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Develop Croydon|language=en-GB}}</ref> Raza has set a innovative trend of drive-thru in-car dining experience through his restaurants during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] year.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Bryony|date=2021-03-23|title=Curry house gets around lockdown by serving curries in cars with incredible invention|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1413800/Croydon-restaurant-Spice-Village-eat-in-car-service-lockdown|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Daily Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Tara|date=2021-03-22|title=Croydon restaurant gets round lockdown by serving curry in cars|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/ingenious-car-tray-means-croydon-20232741|access-date=2021-11-03|website=MyLondon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-24|title=Restaurant's Incredible Drive-Thru Curry Service Provides Mouth-Watering Feast From Your Front Seat|url=https://twistedfood.co.uk/twisted-food/restaurant-is-pioneering-a-drive-thru-curry-service-to-deal-with-the-pandemic|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Twisted Food|language=en}}</ref> He has been also working as the co-chairperson of the UK Pakistan Business Council (UKPBC) to discuss the Pakistani business community concerns with the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime minister Boris]] [[Boris Johnson|Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistanis furious over red listing, community members tell Boris Johnson|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/364800-pakistanis-furious-over-red-listing-community-members-tell-boris-johnson|access-date=2021-11-03|website=geo.tv|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-09|title=Co-chairman of UKPBC, Suleman Raza writes to PM Boris Johnson|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/08/09/co-chairman-of-ukpbc-suleman-raza-writes-to-pm-boris-johnson/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-02|title=Suleman Raza Suggestion of Vaccination For Restaurant Workers in the UK|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/05/02/suleman-raza-suggestion-of-vaccination-for-restaurant-workers-in-the-uk/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Suleman Raza''' {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|MBE}} (born August 1980) is a [[British Pakistanis|British-Pakistani]] food entrepreneur, restaurateur, and activist.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|date=6 December 2020|title=How will 6 muslim entrepreneurs lift the economy post Covid19|url=https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/2020/12/bright-british-brains-muslim-entrepreneurs-speak-about-how-they-will-lift-the-economy/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=British Muslim Magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 September 2020|title=Pakistani activist starts One Million Meals campaign with David Beckham|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/07-Sep-2020/pakistani-activist-starts-one-million-meals-campaign-with-david-beckham|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Daily Pakistan Global|language=en}}</ref> He is the founder of One Million Meals, a charitable campaign started in March 2020 from his own restaurant chain using [[GoFundMe]] in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Businessmen took on different day jobs to help heroes tackle Covid-19|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/businessmen-took-on-different-day-jobs-to-help-heroes-tackle-covid-19/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=EasternEye|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 September 2021|title='Local Community Hero' and restaurateur recognised for 'One Million Meals' charity campaign|url=https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/local-community-hero-and-restaurateur-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign-2/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=South London News|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 April 2020|title=One Million Meals|url=https://www.chrisphilp.com/one-million-meals/|access-date=11 December 2021|website=Chris Philp|language=en-US}}</ref> He owned the cricket franchise [[Mirpur Royals]] in the [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|Kashmir Premier League]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 August 2021|title=Suleman Raza buys Mirpur Royals to promote Mirpur globally|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/801606/suleman-raza-buys-mirpur-royals-to-promote-mirpur-globally/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Daily Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 August 2021|title=Suleman Raza pays tribute to Mirpuri culture through Mirpur Royals|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/06-Aug-2021/suleman-raza-pays-tribute-to-mirpuri-culture-through-mirpur-royals|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Daily Pakistan Global|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=12 August 2021|title=Mum's prayers credited for thriller KPL win for Mirpur Royals|url=https://en.baaghitv.com/mums-prayers-credited-for-thriller-kpl-win-for-mirpur-royals/|access-date=7 November 2021|website=BaaghiTV English|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]], [[Boris Johnson]], awarded Raza the [[Points of Light]] award in 2021 for the One Million Meals campaign.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=12 May 2021|title=One Million Meals|url=https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/one-million-meals/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Points of Light|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian service|url=https://www.globalvillagespace.com/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-for-humanitarian-service/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Global Village Space|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":15" /> The [[House of Lords]] awarded Raza with the Local Community Hero for his humanitarian services in London.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=15 September 2021|title=Spice Village owner & others recognised as 'Local Community Heroes' for charity work|url=https://www.feedthelion.co.uk/restaurants-charity-awards-house-lords/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Feed the Lion|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=FNB News – Local community hero recognised for one million meals charity campaign|publisher=FNB News|url=http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/local-community-hero-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign-65144|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=16 September 2021|title=Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work|url=https://developcroydon.com/croydon-hotelier-wins-local-community-hero-award-for-charity-work/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Develop Croydon|language=en-GB}}</ref> He has also been working as the co-chairperson of the UK Pakistan Business Council (UKPBC) to discuss the Pakistani business community concerns with the British prime minister [[Boris Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistanis furious over red listing, community members tell Boris Johnson|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/364800-pakistanis-furious-over-red-listing-community-members-tell-boris-johnson|access-date=3 November 2021|website=geo.tv|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 August 2021|title=Co-chairman of UKPBC, Suleman Raza writes to PM Boris Johnson|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/08/09/co-chairman-of-ukpbc-suleman-raza-writes-to-pm-boris-johnson/|access-date=7 November 2021|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 May 2021|title=Suleman Raza Suggestion of Vaccination For Restaurant Workers in the UK|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/05/02/suleman-raza-suggestion-of-vaccination-for-restaurant-workers-in-the-uk/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early and personal life ==
Raza was born in [[Rawalpindi]], [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Suleman Raza: The 'One Million Meals' campaign founder|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/306224-suleman-raza-the-one-million-meals-campaign-founder|access-date=2021-11-03|website=geo.tv|language=en}}</ref> He moved to London with his family during the year 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-10|title=The man making Pakistan proud, Meet British Pakistani Entrepreneur, Suleman Raza|url=https://www.hellopakistanmag.com/10-Aug-2021/the-man-making-pakistan-proud-meet-british-pakistani-entrepreneur-suleman-raza|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Hello! Pakistan|language=en-US}}</ref> Since 2004, Raza has been living in London, running his family business in the restaurant industry and helping the vulnerable communities in London.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Irfan|first=Anmol|date=September 10, 2020|title=David Beckham Lends His Support to ‘One Million Meals’ Program|url=https://propakistani.pk/lens/david-beckham-lends-his-support-to-one-million-meals-program/|url-status=live|website=ProPakistani}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=UK restaurant boss asks fellow businessmen to sell Pakistani cuisine with pride|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/468277-uk-restaurant-boss-asks-fellow-businessmen-to-sell-pakistani-cuisine-with-pride|access-date=2021-11-03|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref> He is married and has five children.<ref name=":0" />
Raza was born in [[Rawalpindi]], Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Suleman Raza: The 'One Million Meals' campaign founder|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/306224-suleman-raza-the-one-million-meals-campaign-founder|access-date=3 November 2021|website=geo.tv|language=en}}</ref> He moved to London with his family during the year 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2022 |title=Pakistani man wins double honours at Queen's Jubilee celebrations |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2360184/pakistani-foodpreneur-wins-double-honours-at-queens-jubilee-celebrations |access-date=17 July 2021 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Since 2004, Raza has been living in London, running his family business in the restaurant industry.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Irfan|first=Anmol|date=10 September 2020|title=David Beckham Lends His Support to 'One Million Meals' Program|url=https://propakistani.pk/lens/david-beckham-lends-his-support-to-one-million-meals-program/|website=ProPakistani}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=UK restaurant boss asks fellow businessmen to sell Pakistani cuisine with pride|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/468277-uk-restaurant-boss-asks-fellow-businessmen-to-sell-pakistani-cuisine-with-pride|access-date=3 November 2021|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref> He is married and has five children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=25 March 2021|title=Businessman gives diners the full restaurant experience from their cars|url=https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/businessman-gives-diners-the-full-restaurant-experience-from-their-cars-2/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=South London News|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="businesscentral.pk">{{Cite web|date=21 April 2021|title=Meeting Suleman Raza, the trendsetter in Car Dine-In in the UK.|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/04/21/meeting-suleman-raza-the-trendsetter-in-car-dine-in-in-the-uk/|access-date=5 November 2021|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
In 2000, Raza began his career as a [[chef]] in a [[Brixton]] restaurant in London.<ref name=":3" /> Four years later, he started a restaurant called Spice Village in Tooting, [[South London]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-09|title=Pakistani UK Restaurant Chain Owner Urges Others To Sell Pakistani Cuisine With Pride!|url=https://zipit.pk/pakistani-uk-restaurant-chain-owner-urges-others-to-sell-pakistani-cuisine-with-pride/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=ZIPit|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Spice Village London - Reviews, Location, Photos|url=https://www.hungryfoody.com/uk/spice-village-london/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=HungryFoody|language=en}}</ref> By 2021, Raza has been running multiple branches of his restaurants while serving [[Pakistani cuisine]] in South and [[West London]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-16|title=Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work|url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/croydon-hotelier-wins-local-community-hero-award-for-charity-work/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=InYourArea.co.uk}}</ref> He had also entered into the event business and owned a banquet, Grand Sapphire Hotels.<ref>{{Citation|title=𝟯𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳 Spice Village - Mayor of Croydon opens restaurant with Covid-19 setup|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFEhjhlwv0A|publisher=Feed the Lion|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Owner speaks out after popular venue is forced to cancel more than 160 weddings|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18564021.grand-sapphire-hotel-croydon-owner-talks-virus-uncertainty/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Your Local Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
In 2000, Raza and his brother began their career as a chef in a restaurant in [[Brixton]], London.<ref name=":3" /> Four years later, they started a restaurant called Spice Village in [[Tooting]], [[south London]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 May 2019|title=Pakistani UK Restaurant Chain Owner Urges Others To Sell Pakistani Cuisine With Pride!|url=https://zipit.pk/pakistani-uk-restaurant-chain-owner-urges-others-to-sell-pakistani-cuisine-with-pride/|access-date=4 November 2021|website=ZIPit|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Spice Village London – Reviews, Location, Photos|url=https://www.hungryfoody.com/uk/spice-village-london/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=HungryFoody|language=en}}</ref> By 2021, Raza owned multiple branches of his restaurants and served [[Pakistani cuisine]] in south and [[west London]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 September 2021|title=Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work|url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/croydon-hotelier-wins-local-community-hero-award-for-charity-work/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=InYourArea.co.uk}}</ref> He also entered into the event business and owned a banquet, Grand Sapphire Hotels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tara |date=3 July 2020 |title=How coronavirus is 'killing' one of Croydon's most popular wedding venues |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/how-coronavirus-killing-grand-sapphire-18537232 |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=MyLondon |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Owner speaks out after popular venue is forced to cancel more than 160 weddings|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18564021.grand-sapphire-hotel-croydon-owner-talks-virus-uncertainty/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Your Local Guardian|language=en}}</ref>


In March 2021, Raza initiated a drive-through in-car dining trend to revive the restaurant and venue business.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Tara|date=22 March 2021|title=Croydon restaurant gets round lockdown by serving curry in cars|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/ingenious-car-tray-means-croydon-20232741|access-date=3 November 2021|website=MyLondon|language=en}}</ref><ref name="businesscentral.pk" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=mediabest |date=23 March 2021 |title=Curry house gets around lockdown by serving curries in cars with incredible invention – |url=https://theoneworldnews.com/europe/curry-house-gets-around-lockdown-by-serving-curries-in-cars-with-incredible-invention/ |access-date=17 July 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Due to COVID-19 and lockdown across the country, the food business suffered.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Tara|date=2020-07-03|title=How coronavirus is 'killing' one of Croydon's most popular wedding venues|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/how-coronavirus-killing-grand-sapphire-18537232|access-date=2021-11-03|website=MyLondon|language=en}}</ref> So in March 2021, Raza initiated a drive-thru in-car dining trend to revive the restaurant and venue business.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-25|title=Businessman gives diners the full restaurant experience from their cars|url=https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/businessman-gives-diners-the-full-restaurant-experience-from-their-cars-2/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=South London News|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-21|title=Meeting Suleman Raza, the trendsetter in Car Dine-In in the UK.|url=https://www.businesscentral.pk/2021/04/21/meeting-suleman-raza-the-trendsetter-in-car-dine-in-in-the-uk/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Business Central|language=en-US}}</ref> This trend received praise from his customers and got media coverage in many media outlets.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Young|first=Iona|date=2021-05-17|title=UK's first "drive-thru, eat-in car" restaurant - Food and Drink News UK|url=https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2021/05/17/dancer-films-visit-to-uks-first-ever-drive-thru-eat-in-car-restaurant-food-and-drink-news-uk/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Deadline News|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-24|title=Halal restaurants intro new dining-out-2-dine-in concept: drive-in/ drive-thru service|url=https://www.feedthelion.co.uk/drive-in-thru-dining-halal-food-trend/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Feed the Lion|language=en-GB}}</ref>


In August 2021, he entered into Pakistani sports as a owner of the [[Mirpur Royals]] squad for the KPL.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UK businessman buys KPL’s Mirpur Royals franchise|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/874014-uk-businessman-buys-kpl-s-mirpur-royals-franchise|access-date=2021-11-03|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mirpur Royals' Owner Compares Salman Irshad To Malinga|publisher=Cricket Holic.PK|url=https://cricketholicpk.com/mirpur-royals-owner/|access-date=2021-11-03|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About Club|publisher=Mirpur Royals|url=https://mirpurroyals.com/about-club-meet-sulemanraza/|access-date=2021-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref> At the end of the series, Raza celebrated the success with his team and congratulated the [[Kashmiris]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mirpur Royals owner congratulates Kashmiris on successful KPL 2021|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/883688-mirpur-royals-owner-congratulates-kashmiris-on-successful-kpl-2021|access-date=2021-11-08|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref>
In August 2021, he entered into [[Sport in Pakistan|Pakistani sports]] as an owner of the [[Mirpur Royals]] squad for the [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|KPL]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=UK businessman buys KPL's Mirpur Royals franchise|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/874014-uk-businessman-buys-kpl-s-mirpur-royals-franchise|access-date=3 November 2021|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mirpur Royals' Owner Compares Salman Irshad To Malinga|publisher=Cricket Holic.PK|url=https://cricketholicpk.com/mirpur-royals-owner/|access-date=3 November 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About Club|publisher=Mirpur Royals|url=https://mirpurroyals.com/about-club-meet-sulemanraza/|access-date=7 November 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> At the end of the series, Raza celebrated the success of the tournament with his team and congratulated the [[Kashmiris]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mirpur Royals owner congratulates Kashmiris on successful KPL 2021|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/883688-mirpur-royals-owner-congratulates-kashmiris-on-successful-kpl-2021|access-date=8 November 2021|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref> Raza left Mirpur Royals after the first season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2022 |title=Season-II of KPL to be more thrilling, entertaining: Abdul Razzaq |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/07/14/season-ii-of-kpl-to-be-more-thrilling-entertaining-abdul-razzaq/ |access-date=15 July 2022 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Philanthropy ==
== Philanthropy ==
He has been running the campaign "No One Eats Alone on Christmas Day" annually since 2015 to serve homeless people in [[Croydon]], South London.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FtL |date=20 December 2021 |title=Spice Village launches annual "no one eats alone" campaign for Christmas holidays |url=https://www.feedthelion.co.uk/spice-village-no-one-eats-alone-2021/ |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=Feed the Lion |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 23 November 2019, Raza signed an agreement with the [[Armed Forces Covenant]] with [[Michael Bath|Rear Admiral Mike Bath]] from the [[Royal Navy]] to support the British armed forces community through his restaurant business.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=How multi-award winning Spice Village in Croydon is making a difference|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18499929.multi-award-winning-spice-village-croydon-making-difference/|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Your Local Guardian|language=en}}</ref> On 1 April 2020, the One Million Meals campaign was launched to serve [[National Health Service]] key workers and other [[Vulnerable adult|vulnerable people]] in London.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The brothers providing one million meals for frontline workers|url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/the-kings-alumni-providing-one-million-meals-for-frontline-workers|access-date=3 November 2021|publisher=King's College London|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shahid|first=Syeda Sadia|date=22 May 2021|title=PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for 'One Million Meals' campaign|url=https://www.aboutpakistan.com/news/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-for-one-million-meals-campaign/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=LAbout Pakistan|language=en-US}}</ref> By May 2021, the One Million Meals managed to serve more than 200 locations and 47 hospitals across [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|date=13 May 2021|title=PM Boris Johnson honours Four Pakistanis on Eid|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2299820/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-on-eid-for-their-humanitarian-services-in-uk|access-date=4 November 2021|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref>
Raza has been working for charitable programs, helping the poor communities, and other philanthropy projects. The prominent projects are following:
*On 23 November 2019, Raza signed an agreement with the [[Armed Forces Covenant]] with [[Michael Bath|Rear Admiral Mike Bath]] from the [[Royal Navy]] to support the British armed forces community through his restaurant business.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" />
*In December 2019, he launched the campaign 'Chai That Makes A Difference' through Spice Village restaurant to support the [[British Asian Trust]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=How multi-award winning Spice Village in Croydon is making a difference|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18499929.multi-award-winning-spice-village-croydon-making-difference/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Your Local Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
*On 25 December 2019, he ran the campaign 'No One Eats Alone on the Christmas Day' along with gifts at the Spice Village restaurants to serve homeless people in [[Croydon]], South London.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|date=2020-09-09|title=Fend it like Beckham: Footballer's support puts spotlight on British-Pakistani's 'One Million Meals' drive|url=https://arab.news/y3enu|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Arab News PK|language=en}}</ref>
*On 1 April 2020, the One Million Meals campaign was launched to serve [[National Health Service|National Health Services (NHS)]] key workers and other vulnerable people in London.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The brothers providing one million meals for frontline workers|url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/the-kings-alumni-providing-one-million-meals-for-frontline-workers|access-date=2021-11-03|publisher=King's College London|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Citation|title=BBC NEWS Coverage about One Million Meals for the NHS staff, Homeless & Vulnerable People|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tZcH22-2jI|language=en|access-date=2021-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shahid|first=Syeda Sadia|date=2021-05-22|title=PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for 'One Million Meals' campaign|url=https://www.aboutpakistan.com/news/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-for-one-million-meals-campaign/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Latest Breaking News {{!}} Top Stories {{!}}Sports {{!}}Politics {{!}}Weather|language=en-US}}</ref> Famous public figures like [[David Beckham]], [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]], Bilal Bin Saqib, and Muhammad Arif Anis supported this campaign on their social media platforms.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|title=Meet Suleman Raza whose One Million Meals campaign got support from David Beckham, 'The Proclaimers'|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/710046-british|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=David Beckham helps Pak businessman for One Million Meals campaign|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/710647-david-beckham-helps-pak-businessman-for-one-million-meals-campaign|access-date=2021-11-05|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=School of Business and Management alumnus’ charitable work celebrated by Prime Minister|url=https://www.qmul.ac.uk/busman/newsandevents/general/items/school-of-business-and-management-alumnus-charitable-work-celebrated-by-prime-minister.html|access-date=2021-11-04|publisher=Queen Mary University of London|language=en}}</ref> While [[The Proclaimers]] donated their famous song, [[I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)|I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)]], and changed into a new version, with the help of TLC Marketing team, to support the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-18|title=From 500 Miles to 1,000,000 Meals|url=http://cubmagazine.co.uk/2020/05/from-500-miles-to-1000000-meals/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=CUB Magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Proclaimers having given support to new campaign to feed frontline and NHS workers|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/proclaimers-back-campaign-feed-frontline-and-nhs-workers-2853717|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The Scotsman|language=en}}</ref>
*Since the beginning of the One Million Meal campaign, Raza continuously put in efforts to get support for the campaign from others and successfully it got backed by organizations like [[Yakult]], Biotiful, and many others.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Media Hub|url=https://www.yakult.co.uk/media-hub/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Yakult|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Support One Million Meals #WellbeingWithYakult|url=https://www.facebook.com/YakultUKIE/videos/877476549387146/|language=en|access-date=2021-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-03|title=Biotiful Supports NHS and Local Communities during COVID-19|url=https://biotifuldairy.com/biotiful-supports-nhs-and-local-communities-during-covid-19/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Biotiful Dairy|language=en-GB}}</ref> Also, the [[Santander Bank]], Amersi Foundation, [[London School of Economics|London School of Economics (LSE)]], and King's College supported this campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prime Minister awards King's alumnus for COVID-19 initiative providing meals to key workers {{!}} Feature from King's College London|url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/prime-minister-awards-kings-alumnus-for-covid-19-initiative-providing-meals-to-key-workers|access-date=2021-11-07|publisher=King's College London|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Science|first=London School of Economics and Political|title=Management alum recognised for outstanding volunteer work during the pandemic|url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/management/news/management-alum-recognised-for-outstanding-volunteer-work-during-the-pandemic.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|publisher=London School of Economics|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kothari|first=Bhavin|date=2020-05-12|title=The Foundation supports One Million Meals|url=https://amersifoundation.org/the-foundation-supports-one-million-meals/|access-date=2021-12-11|website=The Amersi Foundation|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=MENAFN|title=South London Hotelier-Restaurateur Honoured at House of Lord...|url=https://menafn.com/1102800312/South-London-Hotelier-Restaurateur-Honoured-at-House-of-Lords|access-date=2021-11-08|website=menafn.com}}</ref> Further, the High Commissioner, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, appreciated this charity campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=High Commission for Pakistan, London|url=https://www.phclondon.org/infodiv/pressreleases/20200611_high_commissioner_visits_open_kitchen_set_up_by_muslim_hands_announces_food_for_300_people.aspx|access-date=2021-11-08|website=phclondon.org}}</ref> By May 2021, One Million Meals managed to serve more than 200 locations and around 47 hospitals across [[United Kingdom|UK]] .<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-13|title=PM Boris Johnson honours Four Pakistanis on Eid|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2299820/pm-boris-johnson-honours-four-pakistanis-on-eid-for-their-humanitarian-services-in-uk|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref>


⚫
== Honours and awards ==
*
In 2021, he received the [[Points of Light]] award by [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]] and the GG2 Spirit in the Community Award by the [[Royal Navy]] for running 'One Million Meals' campaign through his restaurant.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Asian Media Group|title=GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2021 – Winners 2020|url=https://gg2leadershipawards.co.uk/2021/en/page/winners2020|access-date=4 November 2021|website=gg2leadershipawards.co.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UK PM honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian services|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/836382-uk-pm-honours-four-pakistanis-for-humanitarian-services|access-date=7 November 2021|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web|title=Armed Forces Covenant|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/852212/Spice_Village_Armed_Forces_Covenant_20191123.pdf}}</ref> On 7 September 2021, he was recognized as the Local Community Hero by the [[House of Lords]] for his charity work in London.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Asian Curry Awards Launched at House of Lords|url=https://food4media.com/showPRPreview/100083649|access-date=5 November 2021|website=Food4Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Local Community Hero' And Restaurateur Recognised For 'One Million Meals' Charity Campaign – Todayuknews|date=23 August 2020 |url=https://todayuknews.com/entertainment/local-community-hero-and-restaurateur-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign/|access-date=8 November 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> By coincidence, Raza was appointed a [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]] (MBE) for services to business and philanthropy at the same time that his voluntary organisation, Spice Village Uplyft, was awarded the [[Queen's Award for Voluntary Service]] (which is equivalent to an MBE) in the [[2022 Birthday Honours]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2022 |title='Queen's Birthday Honours highlight great contribution Asians have made to the UK' |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/queens-birthday-honours-highlight-great-contribution-asians-have-made-to-the-uk/ |access-date=22 June 2022 |website=EasternEye |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2022 |title=Pakistani man wins double honours at Queen's Jubilee celebrations |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2360184/pakistani-foodpreneur-wins-double-honours-at-queens-jubilee-celebrations |access-date=22 June 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2022 |title=Queen's Birthday Honours List – June 2022 |url=https://mcb.org.uk/mcb-updates/queens-birthday-honours-list-june-2022/ |access-date=22 June 2022 |website=Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette |issue=63720 |date=2 June 2022 |page=J11 |supp=y }}</ref>

== Media coverage ==
The leading media outlets have invited Raza on multiple occasions to discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant workers and speak about his cricket team, [[Mirpur Royals]]. The following are the prominent media coverage:

*In October 2014, Raza's restaurant got featured in ''[[The Guardian]]'' and recommended by the mayor of London, [[Sadiq Khan]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-10-23|title=Sadiq Khan’s Tooting: a food and drink street tour|url=http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/oct/23/sadiq-khan-tooting-london-asian-restaurant-tour|access-date=2021-11-03|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
*On 7 April 2020, [[David Beckham]] supported Raza's One Million Meals charity campaign, featured in various leading media outlets. Some of those are [[Sky News]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus: David Beckham backs meals campaign for key workers|url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-david-beckham-backs-meals-campaign-for-key-workers-11970075|access-date=2021-11-07|publisher=Sky News|language=en}}</ref> [[Arab News]],<ref name=":9" /> [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-07|title=David Beckham backs campaign to provide hot meals to key workers|url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2020-04-07/david-beckham-backs-campaign-to-provide-hot-meals-to-key-workers|access-date=2021-11-07|website=ITV News|language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Express Tribune]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-07|title=Beckham endorses British Pakistanis’ initiative to feed workers fighting COVID-19|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2192967/beckham-endorses-british-pakistanis-initiative-feed-workers-fighting-covid-19|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Watford Observer]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=David Beckham backs campaign to deliver free meals to key workers|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/18364182.coronavirus-david-beckham-backs-campaign-delivers-meals-nhs-staff/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Watford Observer|language=en}}</ref> and ''Independent''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=David Beckham backs campaign to provide hot meals to key workers|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/david-beckham-backs-campaign-to-provide-hot-meals-to-key-workers-39109707.html|access-date=2021-11-07|website=independent|language=en}}</ref>
*On 14 May 2020, [[The Proclaimers]] supported and donated their iconic song for Raza's One Million Meals charity campaign, published in the ''[[Edinburgh Evening News]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Proclaimers having given support to new campaign to feed frontline and NHS workers|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/proclaimers-back-campaign-feed-frontline-and-nhs-workers-2853717|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The Scotsman|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=One Million Meals, Friends of Gavin & TLC Marketing (cover of The Proclaimers 500 Miles)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3EKe9AE9x8|publisher=TLC Marketing Worldwide|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref>
*On 30 July 2020, ''[[BBC Good Food]]'' wrote about Raza's One Million Meals charity campaign and its contribution to the [[National Health Service|NHS staff]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=One Million Meals|url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/bbc-good-food/20200730/284709094134443|access-date=2021-11-08|work=[[BBC Good Food]]|date=2020-07-30|via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref>
*On 29 August 2020, Murtaza Ali Shah, an anchorperson, interviewed Raza about his charity work in London. He discussed 'No One Eats Along On Christmas' and the One Million Meals charity campaign. Raza thanked the mainstream media, businesses, and various celebrities, especially [[BBC]] and [[David Beckham]], for supporting his charity campaign. He also discussed recycling the waste food effectively. He shared how his team managed to deliver the halal food based on the demand of the [[National Health Service|NHS staff]] using a form across London.<ref>{{Citation|title=Footballer David Beckham helps businessman Suleman Raza to distribute One Million Meals to the needy|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f03V9SmUA1M|publisher=Murtaza Ali Shah|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-08}}</ref>
*On 4 September 2020, Raza was featured as the [[British Pakistanis|British Pakistani]] food [[Entrepreneurship|entrepreneur]] in [[The News International|''The News International'']] for serving halal [[Pakistani cuisine]] through his restaurants to [[National Health Service|NHS staff]] during the COVID-19 pandemic across London.<ref name=":11" />
*On 9 September 2020, he shared the success and struggles for raising funds for the One Million Meals campaign in a news report published in the [[Daily Times (Pakistan)|''Daily Times'']].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-09|title=Pakistani Suleman Raza’s One Million Meals campaign with David Beckham wins praise in UK|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/664685/pakistani-suleman-razas-one-million-meals-campaign-with-david-beckham-wins-praise-in-uk/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Daily Times|language=en-US}}</ref>
*In 2020, [[The Daily Telegraph|''The Telegraph'']] and [[BBC News]] highlighted Raza's One Million Meals charity efforts for the [[National Health Service|NHS staff]] and service-based business concerns, specifically for the food business crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Citation|title=BBC NEWS Coverage about One Million Meals for the NHS staff, Homeless & Vulnerable People|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tZcH22-2jI|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Citation|title=One million meals for NHS frontline workers {{!}} Covid-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcUJkZyXAY|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Video|first=Telegraph|date=2020-04-30|title=Watch: Campaign to deliver one million meals to NHS heroes|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/30/watch-campaign-deliver-one-million-meals-nhs-heroes/|access-date=2021-11-07|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
*In February 2021, he made an appearance in the anthem song, Kehlo Aazadi Se, of the KPL.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-04|title=Kashmir Premier League: Mirpur Royals Squad, Place, Owner, Captain, Time Table, Complete Players list, Social Media Account, Anthem Song|url=https://www.sportsunfold.com/kpl-mirpur-royals-squad/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=SportsUnfold|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=The Aazadi Anthem {{!}} Kashmir Premier League {{!}} KPL21|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pds9_Zhmw9c|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref>
*On 9 March 2021, Iram Mehmood at KPL event interviewed Raza about finalizing the team members for the Mirpur Royals.<ref>{{Citation|title=KPL League has begun {{!}} Suleman Raza Mirpur Royals Owner Reveal playing XI {{!}} Kpl Official|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_EI6r-f-ac|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-08}}</ref>
*On 23 March 2021, [[Sutton & Croydon Guardian|''Sutton & Croydon Guardian'']] featured the 'car dining' service introduced by Raza at his restaurant, Spice Village.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Amazing' response to Croydon businessman's 'car dining' innovation|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19179446.croydon-businessman-launches-car-dining-service/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Your Local Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
*In April 2021, Ather Abbasi at [[UrduPoint]] interviewed Raza for his innovative idea to adopt the way of drive-thru in-car dining experience. He discussed how he came up with the concept of adjustable trays inside the car while strictly following the SOPs during the pandemic.<ref>{{Citation|title=Pakistani Restaurant in London - Spice Village - Eat the Yummy Food inside your Car|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceoVqv26vC0|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-06}}</ref>
*In May 2021, a [[YouTube]] channel, The Halimah Show, interviewed Raza for his career in the restaurant industry, event venue business, One Million Meals charity campaign, and drive-thru in-car dining concept introduced during the pandemic.<ref>{{Citation|title=Episode 10 : The Halimah Show : Interview With CEO of Spice village Suleman Raza|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRY6PrO_IMQ|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref>
*On 11 August 2021, the [[UrduPoint]]'s host interviewed Raza about the Mirpur Royals. They discussed the challenges of the KPL series and how it can promote the [[Kashmir]] region and its talent globally.<ref>{{Citation|title=UrduPoint Videos - KPL Ki Mengi Team Mirpur Royals Me Aisi Kya Khas Baat Hai Jo Doosri Team Me Nahi? - Team Owner Raja Salman Se Janiye|via=Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/UrduPointVideos/videos/kpl-ki-mengi-team-mirpur-royals-me-aisi-kya-khas-baat-hai-jo-doosri-team-me-nahi/347244586954230/|language=en|access-date=2021-11-08}}{{Primary source inline}}</ref>
*In August 2021, Raza was invited as a guest by Sidra Iqbal on the Aaj Pakistan TV program from the [[Aaj News]] official channel. He discussed the cricket team Mirpur Royals' performance in the KPL. The other day, he spoke to Shehryar Sajid about the winning combination of his team in the Aaj News segment.<ref>{{Citation|title=KPL 2021 {{!}} MirPur Royals Ki team 4th Match Main Kotli Lions Kay Mad-e-Muqabil {{!}} Aaj News|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc9nNNkwCd8|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref>
*On 24 August 2021, KPL interviewed Raza for the Mirpur Royals in the Kehlo Aazadi Se (episode 36) program on their official [[YouTube]] channel.<ref>{{Citation|title=Khelo Aazadi Se {{!}} Episode 36 {{!}} Raja Suleman Raza|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msO4zeaGLHc|publisher=|via=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2021-11-07}}</ref>
*In 2021, the [[Islam Channel]] interviewed Raza as the owner of the Mirpur Royals squad in the Living The Life show. He discussed his team performance and his charity campaign, One Million Meals. The host also noted that Raza is ranked among the 100 most influential people in the food and hospitality industry by Society magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Living the Life - Mamadou Ndiaye, Abda Khan and Suleman Raza|url=https://watch.islamchannel.tv/watch/38089474|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Islam Channel|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
== Honors and awards ==
Raza received the following honors and awards throughout his career:

* In 2019, he was honored with the 11th Asian Curry Awards for his restaurant business.<ref>{{Citation|title=British Curry Awards 2018 I|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUb7qf4GB-w|language=en|access-date=2021-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Asian Curry Awards 2019 Winners – Asian Curry Awards|url=https://www.asiancurryawards.com/asian-curry-awards-2019-winners/|access-date=2021-11-03|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-10|title=Asian Curry Awards launched at House of Lords|url=https://wntv.co.uk/asian-curry-awards-launched-at-house-of-lords/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=World News TV|language=en-US}}</ref>
*In 2019, he received the Best Wedding Venue award for his banquet, Grand Sapphire Hotels, in London Venue & Catering Awards event held at the [[The Hurlingham Club|Hurlingham Club]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=The UK's Wedding industry will be permanently scarred without Government support!|url=https://staging.elitevendorsnetwork.com/uks-wedding-industry-to-be-permanently-scarred-without-govt-support/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Elite Vendors Network|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-11|title=2019 Winners {{!}} The London Venue & Catering Awards|url=https://londonvenueawards.co.uk/2019-winners/|access-date=2021-11-08|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*In 2019, he was awarded the Curry King title by the Asian Food And Restaurant Awards (AFRA).<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|date=2020-12-08|title=Coronavirus: Londoners 'must stick to rules' amid tier 3 fears|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55228119|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Admin1|title=AFRA_2018 – Samara Productions|url=https://www.samarap.org/afra_2018|access-date=2021-11-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
*In 2019, he received the award of excellence in catering, venue, and food industry from Pakistan Achievement Awards International (PAA) and [[Society (magazine)|Society magazine]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anwar|first=Sundus|title=Bigger & Better 10th Edition of Pakistan Achievement Awards International 2019 Graced London|url=https://www.trendinginsocial.com/10th-edition-of-pakistan-achievement-awards-international-2019/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Trendinginsocial.com: Latest Entertainment, Fashion, Technology, Business, Travel & Sports News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-11|title=Winners of Society Global Indian Icon Awards 2019|url=https://filmeshilmy.com/2019/07/11/winners-of-society-global-indian-icon-awards-2019/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Filme Shilmy|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*In 2021, he was honored with the [[Points of Light]] award by [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]] and the GG2 Spirit in the Community Award by the [[Royal Navy]] for running 'One Million Meals' campaign through his restaurant.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Group|first=Asian Media|title=GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2021 - Winners 2020|url=https://gg2leadershipawards.co.uk/2021/en/page/winners2020|access-date=2021-11-04|website=gg2leadershipawards.co.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UK PM honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian services|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/836382-uk-pm-honours-four-pakistanis-for-humanitarian-services|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web|title=Armed Forces Covenant|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/852212/Spice_Village_Armed_Forces_Covenant_20191123.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 7 September 2021, he was recognized as the Local Community Hero by the [[House of Lords]] for his charity work in London.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Asian Curry Awards Launched at House of Lords|url=https://food4media.com/showPRPreview/100083649|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Food4Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=‘Local Community Hero’ And Restaurateur Recognised For ‘One Million Meals’ Charity Campaign - Todayuknews|url=https://todayuknews.com/entertainment/local-community-hero-and-restaurateur-recognised-for-one-million-meals-charity-campaign/|access-date=2021-11-08|language=en-US}}</ref>

*

*


== See also ==
== See also ==
⚫
* [[The British Curry Awards]]

* [[Points of Light]]
* [[Mirpur Royals]]
* [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]]
⚫
*[[The British Curry Awards]]
*[[House of Lords]]
* [[Points of Light]]
*[[Royal Navy]]
*[[British Asian Trust]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Raza, Suleman}}
== External links ==


[[Category:Pakistani expatriates in England]]
* [https://twitter.com/iamsulemanraza Suleman Raza] on [[Twitter]]
[[Category:English chefs]]
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/suleman-raza-6718a1159/?trk=public_profile_browsemap_profile-result-card_result-card_full-click&originalSubdomain=uk Suleman Raza] on [[LinkedIn]]
[[Category:English restaurateurs]]

[[Category:21st-century English businesspeople]]
⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Raza, Suleman}}
{{Draft categories|[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Rawalpindi]]
[[Category:British people of Pakistani descent]]
[[Category:English Muslims]]
[[Category:British Muslims]]
[[Category:Male chefs]]
[[Category:British chefs]]
[[Category:Food activists]]
[[Category:British restaurateurs]]
[[Category:English activists]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
⚫
}}
[[Category:Pakistani cricket administrators]]
[[Category:English cricket administrators]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from London]]
[[Category:English nonprofit businesspeople]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Latest revision as of 13:52, 17 August 2024

Suleman Raza
MBE
BornAugust 1980 (age 44)
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
NationalityBritish, Pakistani
Occupation(s)Restaurateur, entrepreneur, chef and activist
Known for
  • Founder of One Million Meals
  • Owner of Spice Village
StylePakistani cuisine
Honours

Suleman Raza MBE (born August 1980) is a British-Pakistani food entrepreneur, restaurateur, and activist.[1][2] He is the founder of One Million Meals, a charitable campaign started in March 2020 from his own restaurant chain using GoFundMe in the UK.[3][4][5] He owned the cricket franchise Mirpur Royals in the Kashmir Premier League.[6][7][8] The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, awarded Raza the Points of Light award in 2021 for the One Million Meals campaign.[9][10][11] The House of Lords awarded Raza with the Local Community Hero for his humanitarian services in London.[12][13][14] He has also been working as the co-chairperson of the UK Pakistan Business Council (UKPBC) to discuss the Pakistani business community concerns with the British prime minister Boris Johnson.[15][16][17]

Early and personal life

[edit]

Raza was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.[18] He moved to London with his family during the year 2000.[19] Since 2004, Raza has been living in London, running his family business in the restaurant industry.[20][21] He is married and has five children.[22][23]

Career

[edit]

In 2000, Raza and his brother began their career as a chef in a restaurant in Brixton, London.[21] Four years later, they started a restaurant called Spice Village in Tooting, south London.[24][25] By 2021, Raza owned multiple branches of his restaurants and served Pakistani cuisine in south and west London.[26] He also entered into the event business and owned a banquet, Grand Sapphire Hotels.[27][28]

In March 2021, Raza initiated a drive-through in-car dining trend to revive the restaurant and venue business.[29][23][30]

In August 2021, he entered into Pakistani sports as an owner of the Mirpur Royals squad for the KPL.[31][32][33] At the end of the series, Raza celebrated the success of the tournament with his team and congratulated the Kashmiris.[34] Raza left Mirpur Royals after the first season.[35]

Philanthropy

[edit]

He has been running the campaign "No One Eats Alone on Christmas Day" annually since 2015 to serve homeless people in Croydon, South London.[36] On 23 November 2019, Raza signed an agreement with the Armed Forces Covenant with Rear Admiral Mike Bath from the Royal Navy to support the British armed forces community through his restaurant business.[37][38] On 1 April 2020, the One Million Meals campaign was launched to serve National Health Service key workers and other vulnerable people in London.[39][40] By May 2021, the One Million Meals managed to serve more than 200 locations and 47 hospitals across UK.[11]

Honours and awards

[edit]

In 2021, he received the Points of Light award by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the GG2 Spirit in the Community Award by the Royal Navy for running 'One Million Meals' campaign through his restaurant.[9][41][42][37] On 7 September 2021, he was recognized as the Local Community Hero by the House of Lords for his charity work in London.[14][43][44] By coincidence, Raza was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to business and philanthropy at the same time that his voluntary organisation, Spice Village Uplyft, was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (which is equivalent to an MBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours.[45][46][47][48]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Admin (6 December 2020). "How will 6 muslim entrepreneurs lift the economy post Covid19". British Muslim Magazine. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Pakistani activist starts One Million Meals campaign with David Beckham". Daily Pakistan Global. 7 September 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Businessmen took on different day jobs to help heroes tackle Covid-19". EasternEye. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  4. ^ "'Local Community Hero' and restaurateur recognised for 'One Million Meals' charity campaign". South London News. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  5. ^ "One Million Meals". Chris Philp. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  6. ^ "Suleman Raza buys Mirpur Royals to promote Mirpur globally". Daily Times. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  7. ^ "Suleman Raza pays tribute to Mirpuri culture through Mirpur Royals". Daily Pakistan Global. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Mum's prayers credited for thriller KPL win for Mirpur Royals". BaaghiTV English. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  9. ^ a b "One Million Meals". Points of Light. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  10. ^ "PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian service". Global Village Space. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  11. ^ a b "PM Boris Johnson honours Four Pakistanis on Eid". The Express Tribune. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  12. ^ "Spice Village owner & others recognised as 'Local Community Heroes' for charity work". Feed the Lion. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  13. ^ "FNB News – Local community hero recognised for one million meals charity campaign". FNB News. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work". Develop Croydon. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  15. ^ "Pakistanis furious over red listing, community members tell Boris Johnson". geo.tv. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  16. ^ "Co-chairman of UKPBC, Suleman Raza writes to PM Boris Johnson". Business Central. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  17. ^ "Suleman Raza Suggestion of Vaccination For Restaurant Workers in the UK". Business Central. 2 May 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  18. ^ "Suleman Raza: The 'One Million Meals' campaign founder". geo.tv. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Pakistani man wins double honours at Queen's Jubilee celebrations". The Express Tribune. 5 June 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  20. ^ Irfan, Anmol (10 September 2020). "David Beckham Lends His Support to 'One Million Meals' Program". ProPakistani.
  21. ^ a b "UK restaurant boss asks fellow businessmen to sell Pakistani cuisine with pride". The News International. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  22. ^ "Businessman gives diners the full restaurant experience from their cars". South London News. 25 March 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  23. ^ a b "Meeting Suleman Raza, the trendsetter in Car Dine-In in the UK". Business Central. 21 April 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  24. ^ "Pakistani UK Restaurant Chain Owner Urges Others To Sell Pakistani Cuisine With Pride!". ZIPit. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  25. ^ "Spice Village London – Reviews, Location, Photos". HungryFoody. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  26. ^ "Croydon hotelier wins Local Community Hero award for charity work". InYourArea.co.uk. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  27. ^ O'Connor, Tara (3 July 2020). "How coronavirus is 'killing' one of Croydon's most popular wedding venues". MyLondon. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Owner speaks out after popular venue is forced to cancel more than 160 weddings". Your Local Guardian. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  29. ^ O'Connor, Tara (22 March 2021). "Croydon restaurant gets round lockdown by serving curry in cars". MyLondon. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  30. ^ mediabest (23 March 2021). "Curry house gets around lockdown by serving curries in cars with incredible invention –". Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  31. ^ "UK businessman buys KPL's Mirpur Royals franchise". The News International. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  32. ^ "Mirpur Royals' Owner Compares Salman Irshad To Malinga". Cricket Holic.PK. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  33. ^ "About Club". Mirpur Royals. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  34. ^ "Mirpur Royals owner congratulates Kashmiris on successful KPL 2021". The News International. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  35. ^ "Season-II of KPL to be more thrilling, entertaining: Abdul Razzaq". Pakistan Today. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  36. ^ FtL (20 December 2021). "Spice Village launches annual "no one eats alone" campaign for Christmas holidays". Feed the Lion. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Armed Forces Covenant" (PDF).
  38. ^ "How multi-award winning Spice Village in Croydon is making a difference". Your Local Guardian. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  39. ^ "The brothers providing one million meals for frontline workers". King's College London. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  40. ^ Shahid, Syeda Sadia (22 May 2021). "PM Boris Johnson honours four Pakistanis for 'One Million Meals' campaign". LAbout Pakistan. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  41. ^ "GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2021 – Winners 2020". gg2leadershipawards.co.uk. Asian Media Group. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  42. ^ "UK PM honours four Pakistanis for humanitarian services". The News International. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  43. ^ "Asian Curry Awards Launched at House of Lords". Food4Media. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  44. ^ "'Local Community Hero' And Restaurateur Recognised For 'One Million Meals' Charity Campaign – Todayuknews". 23 August 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  45. ^ "'Queen's Birthday Honours highlight great contribution Asians have made to the UK'". EasternEye. 3 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  46. ^ "Pakistani man wins double honours at Queen's Jubilee celebrations". The Express Tribune. 5 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  47. ^ "Queen's Birthday Honours List – June 2022". Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). 1 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  48. ^ "No. 63720". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 June 2022. p. J11.
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