We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Shakir Haq, CEO of NKP Empire Ventures, to discuss his career journey, leadership philosophy, and the exciting future of Empire. With a casual and fun tone, Haq shared his experiences, challenges, and the innovative strides Empire is making in the food and beverage industry.
A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Family
Haq’s career path has been a blend of simplicity and natural progression. As the second child in a family deeply entrenched in the business, his inclination towards it was almost inevitable. “Since childhood, being the third generation in the family business, I used to accompany my father to the restaurants on weekends. Watching him manage everything with such perfection left a lasting impression on me,” Haq reminisced. His formal journey with Empire began in 2009, right after graduation, starting as a trainee and gradually learning every facet of the business. “I even had a run-in with the law for operating beyond hours once,” he chuckled, recalling an anecdote that underscored his early hands-on experience in the family business.
In 2018, Haq transitioned into the CEO role, a change prompted by the departure of the company’s long-time general manager. “It wasn’t about taking on the role; it was more about stepping up when the time came. With a decade of experience, I felt ready to lead the organization and uphold our family’s legacy.”
When asked about the pressure of taking on such a significant role, Haq admitted, “The pressure is always there, especially in a family business. There are high expectations from both the family and the business. But having mentors really helped me navigate through it.” He particularly credits his father and Mr. Anju Maziz, a consultant and mentor, for guiding him in becoming a better CEO and navigating the challenges of the role. “My father was always an indirect mentor, teaching by example. And Mr. Maziz helped me refine my leadership skills and strategic thinking.”
"I consider myself in the people business rather than the food business. The brand thrives because of the people, and understanding their needs and perspectives helps us improve and grow."
One of the striking aspects of Haq’s leadership is his approachability and the friendly rapport he maintains with his team. “For me, it’s about learning from my father, his brothers, and my grandfather. I practice collective leadership, seeing Empire as a brand built by the people, for the people. Being amongst the people and listening to their feedback helps in making better decisions,” Haq explained. He believes that being a part of the team, rather than above it, fosters a stronger, more motivated workforce.
Leadership, Vision, and Innovation
Haq’s vision for Empire remains rooted in its foundational philosophy: providing the best quality food at affordable prices. “Our core mission has always been to offer value. We’ve never focused on competition but rather on delivering the right kind of value,” he stated. This focus on value has helped Empire remain a cost leader without compromising on quality. “We ensure that our food is not just affordable but also maintains the highest standards of quality and taste.”
Empire has expanded into a house of brands, including Empire, Easy Bites, Juice, Vegetarian Karama, and more. The vision is to evolve into a global food brand, not just in the restaurant industry but across various segments of the food industry. “We have a story to tell, a 60-year-old legacy that we can package and share globally. Our goal is to become a global food company, incorporating the best standards and focusing on convenience,” Haq shared. He envisions Empire as a versatile brand that caters to different markets and preferences while maintaining its core values.
Investing in infrastructure and technology has been a significant part of this vision. Empire’s Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility, is a testament to this commitment. “We’ve built a dedicated butchery, pre-processing area, and a thermal processing unit. We’re also working on our own intellectual property to keep our secrets within the company,” Haq elaborated. This investment ensures that Empire can maintain its quality standards and innovate in-house.
Haq also touched upon Empire’s adaptability to industry trends and technology. “We’ve been early adopters of technology, from mobile ordering to automation and cloud kitchens. Our focus is on delivering value through convenience and trust. Whether it’s late at night or during the day, our customers know they can count on us,” he said. This adaptability has allowed Empire to stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Looking to the future, Haq revealed plans for expanding Empire’s reach through innovative formats like cloud kitchens and areas with no gas usage, enhancing both scalability and sustainability. “We are investing in technology and processes that will help us grow not just in scale but in the value we provide. We’re looking at complementing businesses within businesses, creating a self-sustainable organization,” he explained. This strategic approach allows Empire to diversify its offerings and create new revenue streams while staying true to its mission.
Haq’s enthusiasm for the future is palpable. “The sky is the limit. By adding a bit of science and art to our processes, we can create magic. We’re focused on growing in a way that is sustainable and profitable, ensuring a bright future for Empire,” he concluded. His vision is not just about expanding Empire’s footprint but also about enhancing the overall experience for customers and employees alike.
In this candid and engaging conversation, Shakir Haq’s passion for his family’s legacy, commitment to quality, and vision for the future of Empire shine through. His leadership, grounded in people-centric values and innovation, is driving Empire towards a promising and expansive future. Haq’s approach combines respect for tradition with a keen eye on the future, ensuring that Empire not only survives but thrives in a competitive industry.
By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, Haq is ensuring that Empire remains relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving food and beverage landscape. His dedication to maintaining the brand’s core values while embracing new trends and technologies sets a benchmark for others in the industry. As Haq continues to lead Empire with passion and vision, the future looks bright for this beloved brand.
