Idris Khan Mohammed, the mastermind behind the renowned Mohammedia Shawarma, opens up about his entrepreneurial journey.
In Hyderabad, a city famous for its biryani, haleem, mirchi bajji, and Irani chai, shawarma has emerged as a new contender for gastronomic acclaim, and much of the credit goes to one man – Idris Khan Mohammed. While he is a somewhat enigmatic figure, the brand he has built, Mohammedia Shawarma, is a household name throughout Hyderabad.
Mohammedia Shawarma’s delectable offerings can be savored across the city, from malls to street corners and restaurants. In the evenings, Mr. Khan can be found in a modest cubicle, accessible by a fire escape, where he meticulously monitors the CCTV feeds from his dozens of outlets. “My day begins at 4 a.m. as I oversee the arrival of meat from three different chicken suppliers. I meticulously inspect the quality of all the ingredients to ensure consistent quality across all my outlets, whether in Qadeer Bagh or DD Colony,” says Mr. Khan.
Mr. Khan’s journey began as a DTP (Desktop Publishing) operator at a financial firm, and he later ventured into real estate. However, his real estate plans were thwarted by the 2009 Telangana agitation. This setback prompted Mr. Khan to take a calculated risk and embark on a small business venture. He realized that shawarma, as a snack, required minimal investment but was only available at a handful of locations in the city. Determined, he invested ₹80,000 in 2011 and launched his shawarma business in the Qadeer Bagh area, right next to his current office location.
Mr. Khan’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination have propelled him from humble beginnings as a DTP operator and a real estate enthusiast to becoming the shawarma kingpin of Hyderabad. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their dreams into reality.
