‘King of Curry’ Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbar’s, dies aged 56

Shabir Hussain, founder of award-winning restaurant group Akbar’s, has died aged 56.

Known as the ‘King of Curry’, Shabir was the chairman and CEO of the chain which began in 1995 in Bradford and grew into 10 restaurants across the north, Midlands and Scotland.

As a mark of respect, all restaurants closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and will reopen on Friday (October 18) at 5pm.

Via their official Instagram page, Akbar’s announced: “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbar’s Restaurant Group.

“Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time.”

Speaking to the BBC, Fatima Patel, editor of the Asian Standard, said of Shabir, who was battling cancer: “He revolutionised the curry industry when he went into it, he created lots of new ways to present curry, not just to the non-Asian community but to the Asian community as well.”

Labour MP for Bradford West, Naz Shah, posted on X: “Deeply saddened to hear about passing of Shabir Hussain founder & CEO of the Akbar’s group in Bradford.

“A huge loss to his family and the world of business not just in Bradford but across the UK as his brand reached many cities.

“His entrepreneurial triumph was exporting the best of Bradford’s curry scene throughout the country.

“Someone who we will all miss dearly. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and all the staff and colleagues at his restaurants.”