Today we’d like to introduce you to Inam Moghul.
Inam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a young entrepreneur with big goals in life! I have basically been raised in a restaurant kitchen. My parents opened up their first restaurant in Houston, TX about 20 years ago. They have worked countless hours and dedicated their lives to support our family, Being brought up in this business made me passionate about food like no one could imagine. Ever since I was a kid I have been working side by side with my parents learning how to cook and run your own business. They have honestly made me into the entrepreneur that I am. I got to witness their gains, their losses, their mistakes, and their achievements. It made me realize how hard life can be in the real world. Yet out of everything I’ve learned from them the most important lesson was to – NEVER GIVE UP! I would actually take this opportunity to tell them I love you and thank you for always believing in me!
We currently have two separate locations that are two doors down from each other.
The restaurant side serves up traditional meals like kebabs, rice, curries, stews, tandoori seafood, handmade flat breads, desserts, and an amazing breakfast on the weekends.
The restaurant is the original location – it has been there for about 15 years.
The cafe side serves up the classic Indian/Pakistani snacks but is also a fusion American burger joint. The cafe specializes in gourmet burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings, and fresh fruit juices. We also serve up specials all the time including steaks, insane gigantic burgers, and pasta. The cafe has been there for about 10 years.
Both the restaurant and the cafe have been featured in multiple publications like the Houston Press and the Houston Chronicle. We have done food events in Houston and offer catering services!
If you can take the heat, We can DISH it out!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges in any business, My parents worked countless hours – day and night to overcome those challenges and teach us along the way. With them on my side and their efforts/dedication made me make less mistakes and be more cautious about my business decisions. It was their dedication that made me so passionate about what I do and made me be so dedicated to the restaurant business. You know any restaurant owner will tell you that the restaurant IS YOUR LIFE. Other than that, there is no life so you definitely have to be passionate/dedicated if you want the restaurant to be successful!
Bismillah Restaurant & Cafe – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I think what sets us apart from others is consistency and creativity. We introduce new dishes all the time and they are always really creative – something that our competitors don’t offer. We specialize in gourmet burgers and sandwiches at the cafe. At the restaurant we specialize in authentic gourmet meals. Almost as if your sitting in mom’s kitchen at home and enjoying food made by her! As a company I think we are most proud of our clients. Our clients are loyal. It’s almost like we have been around for so long that we have our own fanbase. One that knows we are dedicated and passionate about the food we dish out of our kitchens!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personally, I would define success as credibility/respect. It’s not always about making money in business. Yes, that is the number 1 goal for most entrepreneur but at the end of the day if you don’t have credibility for what you are offering to a customer then your business might not do well. You have to understand your clients and their needs. They come to us because they know they will get a good quality meal. They know they will be satisfied with their burger or with their curry. Credibility in business is not given to you, it is earned and requires a lot of dedication from you as an individual.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5696 Hillcroft St., Houston, Tx 77036
- Website: www.bismillahrestaurant.com
- Phone: 713-587-9300
- Email: info@bismillahrestaurant.com
- Instagram: Bismillahcafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bismillahcafe/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bismillahcafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bismillah-cafe-houston
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
