February 21, 2025

Turning a Family Recipe into a Thriving Business

Irfan Ahmed’s journey from home-cooked meals to a full-scale restaurant was fueled by a love for his mother’s cooking and a desire to introduce more people to the richness of South Asian cuisine.

Every year, Irfan Ahmed’s mother prepared and delivered her signature Halal Chicken Biryani for Friendsgiving celebrations, a dish so beloved that it became the highlight of the gathering. Inspired by the warmth and joy that her cooking brought to those around him, Irfan knew he wanted to share this culinary treasure with a wider audience.

Determined to make authentic South Asian flavors more approachable for the American palate, Irfan and his family launched their restaurant, Biryani Boys, specializing in their famous Chicken Biryani Bowls and Masala Rolls. With South Asian cuisine poised to be the next frontier of ethnic food in America, Irfan saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition and accessibility. His goal was simple: introduce people to the richness of South Asian cuisine in a way that felt inviting, not intimidating.

“For me, success isn’t just about serving food,” said Irfan. “It’s about changing perceptions. If we can help a large segment of the American population try, enjoy, and perhaps even fall in love with South Asian cuisine, then I know we’ve achieved something truly meaningful.”

The Challenges of Scaling a Culinary Dream

As exciting as it was to bring his vision to life, Irfan quickly realized that passion alone wouldn’t be enough to navigate the complexities of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. From securing a commercial space to managing vendors and labor costs, the challenges were vast. He knew he needed expert guidance to avoid common pitfalls and set his business up for long-term success. That’s when he turned to the OCIE SBDC for support.

They were matched with OCIE SBDC consultant Greg Bell, who played a crucial role in helping Irfan lay the foundation for his restaurant’s success. Greg Iworked with him on several key areas, including:

Lease Negotiations: With the SBDC’s expertise, Irfan successfully negotiated a lease agreement that met his specific business needs, ensuring operational flexibility and critical amenities for long-term sustainability.
Financial Planning & Projections: Having never operated a brick-and-mortar restaurant before, Irfan needed clear financial projections to understand what it would take to stay profitable. The SBDC helped him develop a realistic sales forecast for his first 12 months, providing clarity on revenue goals and cost management.
Vendor & Contract Management: From negotiating pricing with suppliers to understanding the nuances of vendor contracts, the SBDC’s guidance helped Irfan make smart purchasing decisions that kept costs in check.
Labor & Staffing Strategy: Hiring employees was another uncharted territory for Irfan. The SBDC provided insights on marketing job openings, conducting interviews, and structuring a labor budget to ensure staffing efficiency during peak hours.

With the SBDC’s support, Irfan felt prepared, confident, and laser-focused on launching his restaurant.

A Thriving Business with a Lasting Impact

Since officially opening its doors in November 2024, Biryani Boys has already made a significant impact. The business has created 10 new jobs, generated thousands in sales, and secured a six-figure capital infusion to fuel its growth.

Beyond the numbers, what Irfan finds most rewarding is seeing customers — many of whom have never tried South Asian cuisine before — embrace the flavors of his mother’s recipes and return as repeat customers.

“Working with the SBDC gave us access to invaluable expertise and a clear roadmap, helping us make smarter decisions as we embarked on this ambitious journey.”

With a strong foundation, a growing customer base, and a mission to make South Asian cuisine more accessible, Irfan Ahmed is proving that food is more than just nourishment — it’s a powerful bridge between cultures. And with the continued support of the SBDC, his dream of sharing his family’s legacy is only just beginning.

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.