Latest news with #Lakhani
Eater
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Atlanta's First Halal Food Festival Comes to Atlantic Station
Atlanta's first halal food festival will be held at Atlantic Station on July 19. More than 50 food vendors are expected, dishing out halal fare including kebabs, burgers, falafel, and desserts from Yemeni, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Uzbeki cuisines. The festival, from the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective, comes during a time of recent protests against ICE raids and immigration policy in the city, marking a celebration of migrant food. 'It feels incredible to introduce the first halal food festival to Atlanta,' said Hasnain Lakhani, festival co-founder. 'As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I've always felt deeply connected to this community — from planning smaller events like the Atlanta Ramadan Food Festival to running local culinary and real estate businesses. It's a chance for both Muslims and non-Muslims to come together, celebrate our city's diversity, and experience the vibrant culture and flavor of halal cuisine.' Lakhani also owns the BurgerFi in Lawrenceville, and he says it's the only franchise location in Georgia that serves certified halal burgers. Halal is an Arabic word referring to what is permissible under Islamic law. When used in terms of food, halal applies to the dietary guidelines surrounding the preparation and consumption of food for those who follow the religion of Islam. Pork isn't permitted (considered a forbidden food, or 'haram' in Arabic), and Islamic law requires all other animals being prepared for consumption to be humanely slaughtered. Anything containing alcohol is also not permitted for consumption under halal guidelines. 'In fact, many people have likely enjoyed halal cuisine before, without even knowing!' said Lakhani, who is particularly excited about the following vendors at the festival: • 967 Coffee Co.: A fast-rising Yemeni coffee shop serving Yemeni teas, coffees, and desserts like milk cakes. • Aviva by Kameel: Mediterranean eatery offering rice bowls, crispy falafel, and grilled chicken shawarma. • Bismillah Cafe: A hidden gem beloved for its chicken shawarma biryani, topped with its signature 'green sauce' raita. • Diyar Al Yemen: Yemeni eatery serving a 14-hour braised, shredded lamb and perfectly cooked rice. • Dragon Delights: Indonesian restaurant led by passionate women serving homemade cuisine. • Laghman Express: Uzbekian restaurant from New York's famous food scene, offering traditional Central Asian cuisine — from noodles and rice dishes to kebabs and dumplings. • Palachinx: Atlanta pastry business known for its crepes and viral Dubai-style chocolate cups. • Sauce Wing Co.: Atlanta's popular halal wing and Philly cheesesteak spot. • Shawarma Press: Mediterranean shawarmas. • Shibam Coffee: Offering Yemeni coffee and pastries. • WowBooza: Middle Eastern sweet shop making desserts like baklava, kunafa, and stretchy booza ice cream. The festival will also include live performances and cultural acts, a petting zoo, a photo booth, and a market with handmade goods from local businesses. Tickets are on sale now, beginning at $13. 'We want Muslims in Atlanta to experience a food festival serving delicious cuisine that all aligns with halal standards, and for those outside the Muslim community to understand that you don't have to be Muslim to eat, appreciate, and enjoy halal foods,' said Lakhani. Here are more food festivals of note coming up: For its 11th year, PeachFest returns to Downtown Atlanta on Sunday, July 27. More than 65 chefs and bartenders will sling peach-centric food and drinks, this year teaming up with Pearson Farm's Peach Week. Restaurants include Tio Lucho's, CudaCo. Seafood House (Charleston), etc. (Chicago), Kitty Dare, Southern National, Marcus Bar & Grille, Auburn Angel, Rathbun's, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Table at the Lake, Birdcage, Southern Child, TWO urban licks, Stolen Goods ATL, and many more. Tickets are on sale now and begin at $95. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 14th year, and tickets are already on sale for the weekend-long events. The talent lineup is jam-packed with top local and regional chefs. This year's festival theme is 'States of Motion,' exploring how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures. Brooklyn's popular open-air food festival, Smorgasburg, has selected Atlanta as its new home. And here's the thing — it's not a one-time event. Beginning this October, this new food festival will run year-round, every Saturday, in South Downtown at 140 Forsyth Street SW. More than 40 food vendors will be featured weekly, including pop-ups, food trucks, bars, and artists. Originating in New York in 2011, the festival is an incubator space for up-and-coming culinary talent. Vendor applications for the festival are open now. 'Smorgasburg has always been about discovering and championing the most exciting emerging culinary voices,' said Gaston Becherano, a former Brooklyn vendor who is now the co-owner and CEO of Smorgasburg, in a statement. 'When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately — there's a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that's deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.' South Atlanta is going through major revitalization, with the team behind Sammy's announcing a barbecue restaurant opening in the neighborhood next year. 'Atlanta is such a food-loving city, and the experience Smorgasburg will bring to South Downtown is going to be unlike anything else that exists here in Atlanta,' said April Stammel of South Downtown in a statement. See More:
Metro
22-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Why Iran closing this 103-mile stretch of ocean could be catastrophic
As fighting between Israel and Iran is boiling over with the US now involved, the most strategic oil chokepoint in the world – the Strait of Hormuz – is in the spotlight. Concerns have been raised about just how disruptive the war could be for the steady flow of Gulf oil shipments to Europe, the US and Asia. All eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's parliament voted to approve the closure today. The decision still needs to be rubber-stamped by the country's Supreme National Security Council. Adam Lakhani, security director at International SOS, warned that shutting it could cause a bigger market turmoil than the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Covid-19. He told Metro that the price of oil could jump from the current $71.77 to as much as $120 per barrel in a 'worst-case scenario'. 'Iran has a very well-established naval base in the city of Bandar Abbas and it has a strong naval capability,' Lakhani explained. 'So whether they decide to pull that lever… is something we are concerned about and are watching very closely.' About a fifth of the world's oil is transited through the shipping lane, which splits Iran on one side and Oman and the UAE on the other, and links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Tankers collecting from various ports on the Persian Gulf must go through Hormuz. The strait – between 35 to 60 miles wide – has been at the heart of regional tensions for decades, but the threat from Iran to shut it has only escalated the fears. Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander Sardar Esmail Kowsari told local media that closing Hormuz 'is under consideration, and Iran will make the best decision with determination.' He said: 'Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response.' As a major chokepoint, the operation of Hormuz is critical to global energy security. The inability of any oil to transit – even temporarily – can create substantial supply delays and raise shipping costs, increasing world energy prices. Although most chokepoints can be bypassed by using other routes, which often add significantly to transit time, some have no alternatives. Lakhani stressed that Kowsari's threat 'should be taken seriously', judging by the US repositioning of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier along with several support tankers to bolster the military in the region. Iran's threat to shut Homruz comes as a vessel crashed into two ships sailing nearby, 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE. The Emirati national guard said it evacuated 24 people from an oil tanker after the collision. The crude oil tanker, ADALYNN, was bound for Egypt's Suez Canal when the crash in the Gulf of Oman happened. More Trending British maritime security firm Ambrey has said the cause of the incident is 'not security-related'. Naval sources cited by Reuters warned that electronic interference with commercial ship navigation systems has surged in recent days around the strait and the wider Gulf, which is having an impact on vessels. Maritime ship experts say shipowners are increasingly wary of using the waterway, with some ships having tightened security and others canceling routes there. The Strait of Hormuz vote today comes after the US administration announced that is warplanes had dropped 'bunker buster' bombs on three key nuclear sites. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Is Donald Trump gambling his popularity and presidency with strikes on Iran? MORE: London to Dubai BA flight turns back 90 minutes from landing after Iran strikes MORE: UK prepares flights to help British nationals escape Israel after US bombs Iran
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Federal Budget termed detrimental to industry
KARACHI: Former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and former Senior Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Hanif Lakhani has opposed the taxation of petroleum products, arguing that it would adversely affect the general public. Lakhani also expressed disappointment over the State Bank of Pakistan's decision to maintain the policy rate at a high 11%, calling it overly cautious and a negative move that is inappropriate given the declining inflation and weakening industrial competitiveness. He termed the Federal Budget 2025-26 as detrimental to the industry. He criticized the government for granting Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officers the powers equivalent to a Station House Officer (SHO), essentially allowing them unchecked authority. Additionally, he said the imposition of an 18% tax on the IT sector is an ill-advised decision. Lakhani pointed out that the federal budget contains numerous anomalies that the Ministry of Finance must rectify. He urged the government to withdraw harsh and anti-business tax measures before the Finance Bill is passed in Parliament. He warned that granting such strict powers to the FBR in the name of increasing tax collection will make it extremely difficult to achieve the set tax targets. He also criticized the government for not reducing the interest rate, which he believes should have been brought down to 7%, especially when inflation has declined. He stated that decisions are not being made based on ground realities. Lakhani also highlighted the absence of a policy for alternative energy sources. Instead, the government imposed an 18% sales tax on solar panels, which will increase their prices. Furthermore, he opposed the imposition of taxes on e-commerce transactions, noting that unemployed youth were earning through e-commerce, and the government should either provide jobs or not take away their means of livelihood. He did, however, support the move to bring non-filers into the tax net and stated that the imposition of a 10% sales tax in FATA and PATA is a positive step that will benefit the government and curb smuggling. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Metro
17-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Why Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz could be catastrophic for the world
As fighting between Israel and Iran is boiling over, the most strategic oil chokepoint in the world – the Strait of Hormuz – is in the spotlight. Concerns have been raised about just how disruptive the war could be for the steady flow of Gulf oil shipments to Europe, the US and Asia. Adam Lakhani, security director at International SOS, warned that shutting it could cause a bigger market turmoil than the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Covid-19. He told Metro that the price of oil could jump from the current $71.77 to as much as $120 per barrel in a 'worst-case scenario'. 'Iran has a very well-established naval base in the city of Bandar Abbas and it has a strong naval capability,' Lakhani explained. 'So whether they decide to pull that lever… is something we are concerned about and are watching very closely.' About a fifth of the world's oil is transited through the shipping lane, which splits Iran on one side and Oman and the UAE on the other, and links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. Tankers collecting from various ports on the Persian Gulf must go through Hormuz. The strait – between 35 to 60 miles wide – has been at the heart of regional tensions for decades, but the threat from Iran to shut it has only escalated the fears. Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander Sardar Esmail Kowsari told local media that closing Hormuz 'is under consideration, and Iran will make the best decision with determination.' He said: 'Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response.' As a major chokepoint, the operation of Hormuz is critical to global energy security. The inability of any oil to transit – even temporarily – can create substantial supply delays and raise shipping costs, increasing world energy prices. Although most chokepoints can be bypassed by using other routes, which often add significantly to transit time, some have no alternatives. Lakhani stressed that Kowsari's threat 'should be taken seriously', judging by the US repositioning of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier along with several support tankers to bolster the military in the region. Iran's threat to shut Homruz comes as a vessel crashed into two ships sailing nearby, 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE. The Emirati national guard said it evacuated 24 people from an oil tanker after the collision. More Trending The crude oil tanker, ADALYNN, was bound for Egypt's Suez Canal when the crash in the Gulf of Oman happened. British maritime security firm Ambrey has said the cause of the incident is 'not security-related'. Naval sources cited by Reuters warned that electronic interference with commercial ship navigation systems has surged in recent days around the strait and the wider Gulf, which is having an impact on vessels. Maritime ship experts say shipowners are increasingly wary of using the waterway, with some ships having tightened security and others canceling routes there. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Trump urges for 'everyone to leave Tehran' after broadcaster bombed live on air MORE: Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest Foreign Office tourist advice MORE: Three ways latest Middle East crisis could make life more expensive in the UK
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Youngsters set to spend £1,170 on ‘spontaneous summer' with majority dipping into savings to cover cost, research shows
SPLASH OUT Youngsters set to spend £1,170 on 'spontaneous summer' with majority dipping into savings to cover cost, research shows Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SUMMER of spontaneity may be off the cards, after new research has revealed it could set young adults back £1,170. The study of 2,000 adults found 18-34 year olds will face parting with £90.22 a week on unplanned activities. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Young adults face parting with over £90 a week on unplanned activities this summer Credit: SWNS 3 Expert Rajan Lakhani acknowledged that it's hard to turn down spontaneous plans in hotter weather Credit: SWNS Also, a hefty 67 per cent admitted they are far more likely to go out on a whim now than at any other time of year, with 47 per cent justifying their actions with a 'you only live once' attitude. These last minute outings include pub visits (27 per cent) and day trips (38 per cent) - while a further 21 per cent will even attend a festival at the drop of a hat. Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert for Plum, which commissioned the research, said: 'When the days are longer and the weather is warmer, it is only natural we want to be out more taking part in activities. 'During the summer there is so much for young people to do, from festivals, day trips and holidays abroad, it's no wonder so many people love to splurge.' However, with youngsters being strapped for cash, 68 per cent find themselves dipping into savings to cover the cost. The research revealed that people have to take £125 out of their pot each month over the summer period. Mr Lakhani said: 'When you're young you're more care-free and have more wiggle room to be spontaneous in your life, but it does come at a cost.' However, despite the more care-free attitude adopted in the hotter months, only 14 per cent of Brits actually feel prepared when it comes to last minute summer splurges. Of those who do have spontaneous expenses, it leaves 17 per cent feeling guilt, while the same percentage feel happy in the moment, but regretful later. But, 42 per cent admitted to finding it hard to say no to fun activities when the sun is shining, even if they are on a tight budget. Mr Lakhani added: 'It's not just younger people who struggle to say no when the weather turns nice. 'The whole nation feels the pinch when something fun in the sun crops up. 'But it is surprising how few people feel prepared for this, even though it seems to happen every year.' The data also revealed that 42 per cent of young people use their current account to cover these unforeseen expenses, 40 per cent use an active savings account, and just 15 per cent use a cash ISA. To help them stay on top of their finances, 37 per cent would be likely to use a budgeting tool that automatically analyses summer spending, according to the OnePoll figures. Mr Lakhani said: 'Fortunately, there are automated tools that help you easily review your summer spending and help you get it under control. 'This includes lots of ways to manage spending, including savings tools like round-ups, which are designed to help you save while you spend, so spontaneous spending sprees won't leave you feeling regretful.'
