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'''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> In addition, he is the founder of 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]].<ref name=":13" /> 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> Various celebrities like [[David Beckham]], [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]], [[James Caan (entrepreneur)|James Caan]], [[Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed|Dr. Saliha Mahmood Ahmed]], [[Adil Rashid]], [[Asad Ahmad|Asad Ahmed]] 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><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|title=James Caan Tweeted to Support One Million Meals|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/jamescaan/status/1250050820671975425?lang=gl|url-status=live}}</ref> By June 2020, One Million Meals served more than 200 locations across [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref name=":15" /> 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 in 2021.<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>{{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|publisher=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}}</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''' 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 is founder of the One Million Meals, a charitable campaign began in March 2020 from his own restaurant chain using [[GoFundMe]] in the [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref name=":13" /><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><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> He also owns the cricket franchise [[Mirpur Royals]] in the [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|Kashmir Premier League (KPL)]].<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 collaborated with celebrities like [[David Beckham]], [[Amir Khan (boxer)|Amir Khan]], [[James Caan (entrepreneur)|James Caan]], [[Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed|Dr. Saliha Mahmood Ahmed]], [[Adil Rashid]], [[Asad Ahmad|Asad Ahmed]] 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><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|title=James Caan Tweeted to Support One Million Meals|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/jamescaan/status/1250050820671975425?lang=gl|url-status=live}}</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 in 2021.<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>{{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><ref name=":15" /> 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|publisher=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}}</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 set the trend of drive-thru in-car dining experience 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>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
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*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 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>
*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}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2021}}
*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 [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|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>
*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 [[Kashmir Premier League (Pakistan)|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>
*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>

Revision as of 16:46, 24 January 2022

Suleman Raza
File:Suleman Raza British Food Entrepreneur and Restaurateurs.jpg
Born
NationalityBritish Pakistani
Occupation(s)Restaurateur, Entrepreneur, Chef and Activist for vulnerable people living in London, UK
Known forMuslim British Pakistani founder of One Million Meals campaign which was honored with the Points of Light award by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London, UK
StylePakistani cuisine
HonoursPoints 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

Suleman Raza is a British Pakistani food entrepreneur, restaurateur, and activist living in London, UK.[1][2] He is founder of the One Million Meals, a charitable campaign began in March 2020 from his own restaurant chain using GoFundMe in the UK.[3][4][5][6] He also owns the cricket franchise Mirpur Royals in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).[7][8][9] He collaborated with celebrities like David Beckham, Amir Khan, James Caan, Dr. Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Asad Ahmed and many mainstream media outlets supported the campaign.[10][11][12] The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, recognized the charitable work of the One Million Meals campaign with the Points of Light award in 2021.[13][14][15] Moreover, the House of Lords awarded Raza with the Local Community Hero for his humanitarian services in London.[16][17][18] Raza set the trend of drive-thru in-car dining experience during the COVID-19 pandemic year.[19][20][21] 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 British Prime minister Boris Johnson.[22][23][24]

Early life

Raza was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.[25] He moved to London with his family during the year 2000.[26] Since 2004, Raza has been living in London, running his family business in the restaurant industry and helping the vulnerable communities in London.[27][28] He is married and has five children.[29]

Career

In 2000, Raza began his career as a chef in a Brixton restaurant in London.[28] Four years later, he started a restaurant called Spice Village in Tooting, South London.[30][31] By 2021, Raza has been running multiple branches of his restaurants while serving Pakistani cuisine in South and West London.[32] He had also entered into the event business and owned a banquet, Grand Sapphire Hotels.[33][34]

Due to COVID-19 and lockdown across the country, the food business suffered.[35] So in March 2021, Raza initiated a drive-thru in-car dining trend to revive the restaurant and venue business.[20][29][36] This trend received praise from his customers and got media coverage in many media outlets.[37][19][38]

In August 2021, he entered into Pakistani sports as a owner of the Mirpur Royals squad for the KPL.[39][40][41] At the end of the series, Raza celebrated the success with his team and congratulated the Kashmiris.[42]

Philanthropy

Raza has been working for charitable programs, helping the poor communities, and other philanthropy projects. The prominent projects are following:

Media coverage

The leading media outlets have invited Raza on multiple occasions to discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant workers, food charity campaign volunteers, and 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.[66]
  • 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,[67] Arab News,[45] ITV,[68] The Express Tribune,[69] Watford Observer,[70] and Independent.[71]
  • 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.[52][72]
  • In June 2020, Asad Ahmed from BBC London interviewed Raza for his One Million Meals campaign and featured it on BBC News prime time.[3]
  • On 30 July 2020, BBC Good Food wrote about Raza's One Million Meals charity campaign and its contribution to the NHS staff.[73]
  • 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 NHS staff using a form across London.[74]
  • On 4 September 2020, Raza was featured as the British Pakistani food entrepreneur in The News International for serving halal Pakistani cuisine through his restaurants to NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic across London.[53]
  • 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.[75]
  • In 2020, The Telegraph and BBC News highlighted Raza's One Million Meals charity efforts for the NHS staff and service-based business concerns, specifically for the food business crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[76][77][78]
  • In February 2021, he made an appearance in the anthem song, Kehlo Aazadi Se, of the KPL.[79][80]
  • On 9 March 2021, Iram Mehmood at KPL event interviewed Raza about finalizing the team members for the Mirpur Royals.[81]
  • On 23 March 2021, Sutton & Croydon Guardian featured the 'car dining' service introduced by Raza at his restaurant, Spice Village.[82]
  • 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.[83]
  • 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.[84]
  • 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.[85]
  • On 24 August 2021, KPL interviewed Raza for the Mirpur Royals in the Kehlo Aazadi Se (episode 36) program on their official YouTube channel.[86]
  • 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.[87]

Honors and awards

Raza received the following honors and awards throughout his career:

See also

References

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Category:Living people Category:British people of Pakistani descent Category:British Muslims Category:British chefs Category:British restaurateurs Category:Year of birth missing (living people)