The article, interviewing Preoday client, Akbar’s, originally appeared in Gazette Live
Akbar’s fans can now order their curry – and those giant naans – on new phone app
‘We call them duvet naans’ – owner of the Akbar’s empire Shabir Hussain reveals most popular dishes with Middlesbrough diners
From baltis and bhunas – to THOSE giant “duvet” naans – Akbar’s fans can now order their takeaways on a new phone app.
The Indian restaurant on Middlesbrough’s Linthorpe Road has launched its own mobile ordering service – and hopes to create more jobs for the town, as its busy takeaway service grows.
And owner Shabir Hussain, whose chain of restaurants stretches across the North to the Midlands and Scotland, has revealed the most popular items ordered by curry fans – including the “duvet” naans they’re most famous for.
He said: “English and Asian palates are very different, English people like Tikka Masala and our speciality Makhani, a very nice mild, creamy dish, Kormas are still popular for people just coming into the curry scene.
“Asian customers like lamb and chicken Karahi dishes, with less sauce and more spice.
“Our signature lamb chops starter, people order again and again.
“We are also famous for our massive naans – we call them duvet naans.
“Our app is moving with the times, it’s saving both customers and staff time; it gets rid of human error. Staff might mishear customers, or customers might mishear staff when ordering.
“Customers also have the facility to pay on the app. We’ve already had some fantastic feedback.”
Shabir established Akbar’s in 1995 with the flagship Bradford restaurant. He opened his Middlesbrough branch nine years ago, and now has restaurants in Leeds Eastgate, Manchester, York, Sheffield, Birmingham, Glasgow, Rotherham and Newcastle.
Regional manager Amar Shabir added: “Over the last couple of years, there’s been a massive push in the food industry. A lot of people are going into it.
“Takeaway demand has increased massively.
“We want to grow our takeaway service, it could even lead to us taking on an extra three or four people leading up to Christmas.”
The Akbar’s app is available for download on the Google Play and App Store.
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