We had the good fortune of connecting with Zafar Anvarov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zafar, what do you attribute your success to?
As we know in the restaurant business three things are important: consistency of high-quality cuisines, cleanliness, and service. If you master these three aims,  you will achieve a high degree of success.  As the adage goes: treat your guests/ customers like gold and they will spread the word which is the best form of advertisement and marketing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have chosen to work in the restaurant industry because I enjoy cooking and interacting with other people, I like serving customers, and I enjoy the challenges that come with the role. I used to help my father in cooking in his restaurant before we opened for daily business and once we opened I started serving our guests.  In 2005, I emigrated to the United States.  My first job was as a dishwasher at the University of Nebraska in  Omaha. For 10 years, I worked tirelessly as a dishwasher, busboy, waiter, and manager at a local restaurant. After 10 years of gaining experience, I decided that the time had arrived to open up Avesta Persian Grill.  That dream was realized in May 2015.  Avesta is now in its 7th year of operation and we are continually evaluating how to surpass our high-bar standards in all respects.  I started very small in 1,450 square feet building. Now, we have relocated across the street from where we used to be, and it’s a 3,500-square-foot restaurant that serves authentic Persian and Mediterranean food.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to River Oaks,The Heights,Montrose,Museum District,West University,Downtown,Midtown , Space Center Houston and Galveston Texas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I came from a family that has been in the restaurant business for 3 decades. From a young age I used to work for my dad in his restaurant during the summers and after school. Everything I’m doing right now is because of my father’s influence, compassion and unconditional love. I give all the credit to him.

Website: Avestahouston.com

Instagram: Avesta_persian_grill

Facebook: Avesta Persian Grill

Yelp: Avesta Persian Grill

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.