ONE of the Bradford district’s most prominent and successful restaurant operators is gearing up to host its 35th annual business dinner on Wednesday, November 1.

Aagrah, the UK and Europe’s largest Kashmiri restaurant chain, is expecting around 700 business guests to attend the event, being held this year in the Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United FC.

The occasion is a double celebration for Aagrah – which opened its first restaurant in Shipley in 1977 – with the company also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

The 2017 charity dinner will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, and also incorporate this year’s Hospitality Business Awards (North).

Mohammed Aslam, managing director of the company, which employs 350 staff, said: “Aagrah’s fundraising is carried out through our charity wing, the Jannat Welfare International Trust, in memory of Sajid Sabir, late son of Aagrah’s chairman, Mohammed Sabir, to benefit local, national and international charities.

“With generous support from our sponsors and supporters we have raised around £2 million to date, which has transformed the lives of many and of all ages.

“The dinner will also play host to five prestigious business awards recognising prosperous businesses who are committed to investment in the economy.”

On the night, judges will decide on the winners of Exporter of the Year, Business of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Hospitality Venue of the Year, and Start Up of the Year – an award for businesses trading for less than two years.

Outlining the details of this year’s event, an Aagrah spokesman said: “This year marks a milestone for Aagrah, celebrating 40 years of business.

“Aagrah Restaurant in Westgate, Shipley, opened in 1977 with a seating capacity of just 40.

“Today, the company has 14 branches throughout Yorkshire with combined seating exceeding 2,000.

“Aagrah continues its commitment to invest in the communities it operates in as well as exploring new business opportunities in international markets and inward investment, and this is also the theme for this year’s dinner.”

From its humble beginnings, Aagrah has developed its portfolio of restaurants alongside catering for prestigious events such as the Bollywood ‘Oscars’ and producing a range of curry sauces for home cooks.

Mr Aslam credits Bradford for giving him the opportunities to develop the family business, stating he loves the city.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world,” he said.

“I was offered business opportunities in New York but I turned them down. I can’t leave Bradford.

“I have customers who have been coming to me since that very first restaurant.

“I say to the waiters, these people have been coming here since before you were born. We treat our customers like family.

“Family is what makes Aagrah, and Aagrah is what has made our family.”