Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadaf Nezhad.
Hi Sadaf, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began with my father, who started his business- the first Persian restaurant in Orange County, CA. I was born into a life of food lovers and my passion for food and restaurants continued until I was able to work at my father’s restaurant and gain knowledge and experience and then ultimately open my own Restaurants in Los Angeles, under my own name- Sadaf Restaurant. Before I opened my own restaurants, I got my Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and then my MBA with an emphasis in marketing. I went on to work for the hospitality industry for four years, gaining the 5-Star Customer Service training which would help me in my future businesses. Then, with the help of my father and uncle, I decided to open my first restaurant in Encino, CA in 2011. It was not easy starting a Persian restaurant in Los Angeles, where there were so many other successful restaurants, but like my dad taught me, never give up and go for your passion- and I did exactly that! My goal was to have the BEST Persian restaurant in every aspect of the restaurant business- food quality, customer service, and consistency. I also wanted to create opportunity in my community for people to work in a place they could call home. I hope and I believe I have achieved that. After a few successful years in my first location Sadaf Restaurant Encino, I felt it was time to expand and open my second location- Sadaf Restaurant Thousand Oaks.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My experience in opening my Restaurant businesses was always challenging but pleasant at the same time because it is what I love to do. Being a young female entrepreneur was never easy. My struggles along the way were the intrapersonal relationships with my employees and my customers. I had customers walk in and ask me if they could speak to the owner, not believing I was the owner. My employees would challenge my authority when it came to setting standards.
Another struggle of mine was due to my high standards in customer service and quality of food- all around it is extremely expensive to have and to maintain. Patrons have high expectations and they must be met!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sadaf Restaurant Encino and Thousand Oaks primarily serve authentic Persian food. We specialize in healthy and high-quality fresh grilled kabobs(lamb, fish, chicken, filet mignon) where everything is prepared daily. Our process of cooking is primarily over an open flame, where the focus is on healthy Mediterranean cooking.
What sets Sadaf Restaurants apart from other Persian restaurants is that we have created an environment for professionals and families to have a 5-star dining experience. We also go above and beyond for our guests, as we would when they are in our own home- that’s Persian Hospitality.
I am proud of my Sadaf Restaurant brand because my vision came to fruition 11 years ago and it is still standing strong. I am proud of my Sadaf Restaurant brand because it holds high-ranking reviews and I have achieved my goals.
I want the readers to know that when they come to Sadaf Restaurant Encino or Thousand Oaks, they will enjoy their experience and leave with a full belly.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The way that people can work with Sadaf Restaurants is to support us within the community and give us the opportunity to be part of it. When there are fundraising events at schools or gala‘s, we would love to be part of them. When there are networking groups or mixers, we would love to offer our place to hold their events.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.SadafEncino.com
- Instagram: SadafRestaurant_LA
- Facebook: Sadaf Restaurant Encino
- Yelp: Sadaf Restaurant
