EP. 154: AKTAR ISLAM, MICHELIN MASTERY WITH CHEF AND OWNER OF OPHEEM

Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast Sponsored by Vita Mojo feat. Mark McC

In this episode, Mark McC interviews two-Michelin-starred chef Akhtar Islam from Opheem. They discuss Akhtar's career, dedication to continuous improvement, and the evolving landscape of Indian cuisine and social media in the culinary world. Insights are shared on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, the importance of authenticity, and Akhtar's future plans for his restaurant. Their conversation covers personal and professional growth, meaningful connections, and the communal nature of the industry.

About Guest

Aktar Islam is a celebrated Michelin Star chef and the visionary owner of Opheem, a modern Indian fine dining restaurant in Birmingham. Renowned for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, Aktar blends traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, creating dishes that are both artful and memorable. His culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by his family’s heritage and passion for food. Over the years, Aktar has honed his craft, earning a reputation as one of the UK's leading chefs. He first rose to fame on television, winning BBC’s Great British Menu and appearing on MasterChef.

At Opheem, Aktar’s commitment to excellence has earned him critical acclaim, including a coveted Michelin Star. Beyond the kitchen, he is known for his dedication to mentoring young chefs and his advocacy for sustainability in the food industry. Aktar continues to push the boundaries of Indian cuisine, making Opheem a destination for food lovers worldwide.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aktarislam_/?hl=en-gb

Website: https://opheem.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Vita Mojo.

About Vita Mojo:

The future of your restaurant, built together.

Vita Mojo’s all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase ATV, run more efficiently and deliver an exceptional, fully-branded guest experience. Our restaurant management platform transforms your online and off-premise order sources - including delivery networks - in one fast, reliable and easy-to-use system.

Vita Mojo is trusted by leading hospitality operators such as LEON, YO! And GAIL’s, as well as midsize and large restaurants across the UK and Europe to continuously innovate - beyond their menu. To find out more visit vitamojo.com/supersonic

Our Silver Sponsors are:

Airship and Toggle:

Airship is a data-driven CRM for the hospitality industry. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and pubs can use Airship to email marketing and create personal relationships with their customers.

Check out https://airship.co.uk/ for more information.

Saved by Robots:

Saved by Robots are passionate about creating compelling brands and memorable experiences through great design, engaging storytelling and genuine authenticity.

Visit Savedbyrobots.com to get in touch

NFS Hospitality:

NFS combine innovative hospitality and booking system technology with first-class customer service to deliver outstanding long-term value.

Find out more at https://www.nfs-hospitality.com/

About Mark Mcc:

Mark McCulloch is one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in the world. Mark has over twenty years brand, marketing, digital and social media experience holding senior and board-level positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger. Mark co-founded multi-award-winning brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular in 2012 which is still going strong today. Mark is now fulfilling his lifelong ambition to live and work by the sea in Brighton where he is a Virtual Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Strategist for the best hospitality, tech and B2B brands in the UK and beyond. Mark is also a popular thought leader, speaker and broadcaster, the highlight of which being in 2018 when Mark began podcasting and his Mark McC Supersonic Food Marketing podcast hosting guests including the greatest digital mind in the world Gary Vaynerchuk plus music legends Fatboy Slim and Alan McGee (the man who discovered rock band Oasis). Mark’s podcast has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times and has reached the top 10 in the UK iTunes business charts and is a regular Top 100 podcast in multiple countries around the world helping educate, entertain and inspire both the marketing and business community. Mark is also the Campaign Director for Hospitality Rising which is an 'Be The Best' army style campaign for hospitality to help solve the hospitality recruitment crisis forever.

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