The journey of an entrepreneur is often paved with unexpected turns, but for Asif Saleem, the transition from finance to the food industry was a story of passion, strategy, and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Today, Asif is the mastermind behind the globally recognized brand, LKO W Kababi, bringing the authentic flavors of Lucknow to the world stage.
In This Episode
From Finance to Entrepreneurship
Born into a family of doctors in Sultanpur, India, Asif Saleem took a different path. He pursued his finance degree from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and later joined Uttar Pradesh Finance Corporation (UPFC), where he gained firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, financing, and business development. Observing how businesses secured funding and scaled their operations inspired him to venture into entrepreneurship himself.
The Packaging Industry: A Stepping Stone
Before entering the food industry, Asif and his brother established a packaging unit in Lucknow. Their business provided specialized packaging materials such as blister packs for reputed companies like Eveready Batteries and Gillette India. This experience in supply chain management and business operations laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the food industry.
Venturing into the Food Business
Asif’s entry into the food industry was driven by keen market observation. In 2007, he moved to Delhi, a city with a thriving food culture but with limited representation of authentic Lucknowi cuisine. Recognizing this gap, Asif decided to introduce traditional Lucknowi kebabs to the capital’s culinary scene.
In 2009, he launched Tunday Kababi in Delhi NCR, a chain inspired by the legendary Tunday Kababi of Lucknow, which had been serving exquisite kebabs for over a century. With nearly a decade of experience in running a successful food chain, Asif expanded further by establishing LKO W Kababi in 2014. Today, LKO W Kababi has multiple outlets across Delhi NCR, Dubai, and soon, Goa. Plans are also underway for expansions into Canada and the U.S.
What Sets LKO W Kababi Apart?
- Authentic Flavors: Asif ensures that every dish retains the authentic taste of Lucknowi cuisine, using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
- Global Expansion: With a strong presence in Dubai and India, the brand is now exploring international markets.
- Financial Savvy: His financial expertise allows him to optimize cash flow, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
The Secret Behind His Success
Unlike many entrepreneurs who struggle with delayed payments in manufacturing or services, Asif realized that the food business operates on a daily cash flow model. The ability to purchase raw materials on credit and generate instant cash flow from daily sales made the food industry an attractive choice for him.
Additionally, word-of-mouth marketing has played a significant role in growing his customer base. Asif believes in delivering exceptional taste and quality, leading to customer loyalty and organic growth.
Future Plans and Expansion
With growing demand for authentic Indian cuisine, Asif plans to expand LKO W Kababi to Goa, Canada, and the U.S.. His vision is to make Lucknowi cuisine a global phenomenon while ensuring consistency in taste and service across all outlets.
Asif Saleem’s journey is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His transition from finance to the culinary world is a testament to how passion, strategic thinking, and financial acumen can create a thriving business. With LKO W Kababi making its mark globally, the future looks bright for this Kebab Maestro.