“A book taught me the value of being “unreasonably hospitable,” and applying this concept has helped me connect the dots where gaps previously existed. In our business, going above and beyond for the right reasons fosters loyal patronage.”
Entrepreneurs Today reached out to Shakir Haq, a prominent entrepreneur in Bangalore’s hospitality industry. As the driving force behind NKP Empire Ventures Pvt Ltd, he has successfully expanded the well-known chain of Empire restaurants, solidifying its position as a leading dining destination in the city.
Recognised for his innovative business approach and customer-centric philosophy, Shakir maintains high standards of quality and service. He is an alumnus of IIM-Bangalore and served as the joint secretary of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Association.
About NKP Empire Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
NKP Empire Ventures Pvt. Ltd. is the parent company of the Empire chain of restaurants, a beloved and iconic brand in Bangalore’s dining scene.
Established to provide high-quality, diverse culinary experiences, the company operates multiple outlets across the city. Known for its extensive menu featuring Indian, Chinese, and Arabian cuisines, NKP Empire Ventures Pvt. Ltd. has earned a reputation for consistent quality, affordability, and exceptional customer service.
The company continues to innovate and expand, maintaining its position as a leader in the hospitality industry.
An Early Start
The business was originally started by Shakir Haq’s grandfather, the late Mr Abdul Rahim Haji, inspired by his passion for food, which he began cultivating in Malaysia before extending to Bangalore in 1966.
As a native of North Kerala, his grandfather chose Bangalore as the closest cosmopolitan city for traders from his region. Initially, the restaurant aimed to serve travellers and traders, but today, it has become a synonymous name in Bangalore’s dining scene.
Shakir Haq was inspired to carry forward this legacy and his family’s love for food, leading to the expansion and success of the Empire chain of restaurants.
Unmatched Culinary Experience
Empire holds a distinguished position in Bangalore’s culinary landscape, rooted in its rich heritage and established reputation since 1966.
Over the decades, Empire has become a trusted name synonymous with quality dining experiences for both locals and visitors. Its longstanding presence reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep-seated tradition of hospitality, making it a cornerstone of Bangalore’s dining scene.
Central to Empire’s appeal is its diverse menu, offering an extensive range of cuisines that cater to varied tastes. From traditional Indian delicacies to flavorful Chinese dishes and aromatic Arabian grills, Empire excels in providing authentic flavours that satisfy a broad spectrum of preferences. Signature dishes like the famed Empire Biryani and succulent Chicken Kebabs have garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying Empire’s reputation as a destination for memorable dining experiences.
Empire distinguishes itself further by extending its service well into the night, a rarity in Bangalore’s restaurant landscape. This commitment to late-night dining ensures that customers can enjoy their favourite meals at any hour, enhancing convenience and accessibility. With multiple strategically located outlets across the city, Empire remains easily accessible, ensuring that patrons can enjoy its renowned offerings without hassle.
Consistency is key at Empire, where meticulous attention to detail ensures that every dish maintains the same high standard across all branches. Whether it’s the quality of ingredients, preparation techniques, or service excellence, Empire upholds its promise of delivering a consistent and reliable dining experience.
Despite its elevated culinary offerings, Empire maintains affordable pricing, making it a popular choice among a diverse clientele. This approach not only reinforces its broad appeal but also underscores Empire’s commitment to providing exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Challenges Faced
Establishing and expanding Empire Restaurants in Bangalore has been a journey marked by several significant challenges. Maintaining consistency in quality and service across multiple outlets has been paramount. This requires rigorous training and meticulous oversight to ensure that every branch meets the Empire’s high standards. The competitive nature of Bangalore’s dining scene has also been a hurdle, necessitating continuous innovation and strategic marketing efforts to stand out amidst a crowded market.
Operational complexities, including managing late-night operations and logistical coordination across outlets, present ongoing challenges. Adapting to evolving customer expectations while adhering to regulatory compliance standards adds another layer of complexity. Ensuring a reliable supply chain for diverse menu offerings and integrating modern technologies for efficiency are crucial aspects of Empire’s operational strategy.
Expansion into new locations requires meticulous planning and alignment with Empire’s brand standards. Staff training and retention remain critical for delivering consistent service.
Celebrating Feats
“At NKP, we prioritise the positive experience that we have created for a guest and the value we have provided for every single person who has graced us with their presence. We are also successful when we provide a fair and happy place of work for our teams to perform.”
Empire Restaurants in Bangalore have achieved notable success in several key areas:
Customer satisfaction remains high, as evidenced by consistently positive feedback from reviews, surveys, and direct customer interactions. Repeat customer rates indicate strong loyalty and satisfaction.
Financially, Empire demonstrates strong revenue growth and healthy profit margins. Effective cost management across food, labour, and operational expenses contributes to their financial stability.
Operational efficiency is maintained with high table turnover rates and effective inventory management practices, minimising waste and optimising resources.
Employee satisfaction is evident through high retention rates and ongoing engagement efforts, fostering a positive workplace environment.
Empire holds a strong market position with recognised brand strength and increasing market share in both traditional dining and online ordering segments.
They innovate by regularly updating menu offerings to meet evolving customer preferences and industry trends.
Community engagement and corporate social responsibility initiatives enhance their brand image and local presence.
Their digital presence is strategically managed to maximise online engagement and customer acquisition efficiency.
Accolades such as the HURUN 2019 Industry Achievement Award and various restaurant industry recognitions underscore Empire’s leadership and excellence in the dining sector, reflecting their commitment to maintaining high standards across all operations.
Plans Ahead
Looking forward, NKP Empire Ventures is dedicated to achieving ambitious goals aimed at cementing its status as a global leader in the food industry.
Expansion and diversification are central to NKP’s strategy. Beyond their current restaurant offerings, they are venturing into various other segments of the food and beverage market. This includes launching new brands and exploring direct-to-consumer opportunities. Plans for merchandise are also in development, aimed at enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement across diverse markets.
Sustainability forms a cornerstone of NKP’s future endeavours. They are committed to integrating sustainable practices throughout their operations.
Excellence and innovation remain focal points for NKP’s growth trajectory. They emphasise delivering exceptional quality and customer experiences that evoke the “WOW” factor. This commitment to innovation spans menu development, service enhancements, and operational efficiencies.
Global expansion is a key objective for NKP. They are actively strategizing to enter new geographical markets. This expansion plan is designed to scale operations while upholding the values and standards that define their legacy of excellence.
The Center of Excellence (COE) project stands as a pivotal initiative for NKP. Spanning 35,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility merges tradition with advanced technology. It is poised to become a hub for innovation, research, and development within the food industry. The COE project underscores NKP’s commitment to shaping the future of food and establishing itself as a globally recognised brand.
Lessons Learned
Shakir has learned several lessons in his journey. Before signing off, he says,
“Being a great listener is essential before offering advice. It’s important to respond rather than react, and never judge a book by its cover, as quick judgments can be costly in today’s fast-paced world. Also, as someone I look up to as a role model, Shri Ratan Tata once said “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” I stand grateful for these lessons from stalwarts like Mr. Tata.”
