We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Farzad Akbarpour a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Farzad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was purchasing my current business. It was located in a spot that seemed completely obsolete at the time—surrounded by people, a strong community, and thousands of cars passing by every day. What I initially thought would be a quick flip and an easy way up quickly turned into a risky investment. When I first saw the location, I thought it was a golden opportunity. But, boy, was I wrong. Life hit me like a freight train, and nine months later, here we are—thriving.

Life is all about taking risks. Without them, you’ll never know what’s possible. There are always “what ifs” when it comes to business, or any big decision you make, but trust me—you only live once. And there’s no better way to live it than by taking risks. You never know what could happen if you don’t take that leap.

Consistency is key when you take a risk. Once you’re in it, you might as well ride the train all the way to the destination. Never give up on yourself. It may not pay off today or tomorrow, but one day, when everything falls into place, you’ll look back and be so proud that you stuck with it.

By the fourth month, I was ready to throw in the towel. But I didn’t give up. I told myself, “This is what I signed up for. This is what risk-taking is all about.” I’m so glad I trusted my gut, because now I’ve never been more confident in a decision. The business is thriving, our customers are happy, and they’re constantly praising our hard work and dedication to what we do here at the restaurant.

Farzad, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Farzad Akbarpour, and I’m a 30-year-old restaurant owner. My journey in the restaurant industry began when I was 13, working at my uncle’s restaurant. I started as a dishwasher, gradually working my way up to a server. From that moment on, I knew this industry was where I belonged. However, it’s always been tough to work for someone else when you know your own worth. I’ve always had the ambition to own a business, but I didn’t know what that would look like until my mom purchased her first restaurant. That’s when I really started helping out in the kitchen, and my passion for cooking shifted from something I liked to something I truly loved.

There’s something magical about being in the kitchen and hearing people rave about every bite, every flavor, and seeing those big smiles in return. It was in those moments that I knew: one day, I would be the one leading a restaurant.

I’m incredibly proud of where we’re headed with our newest restaurant addition. It hasn’t been easy, and there were times we nearly threw in the towel, but resilience is key. You have to believe in yourself because, at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to push yourself across that finish line.

What sets us apart from other Afghan restaurants is that while we do offer traditional kabobs, we’ve created a unique twist on the menu. For example, our version of loaded fries, seasoned to perfection with BBQ meat, has become a fan favorite. Recently, we introduced our own take on bowls, and that one item has driven people to keep coming back. It’s innovative menu items that has helped us stand out among Afghan restaurants in California.

The future is bright for us, and we’re only moving up from here. There’s no stopping this freight train, with our beloved mother being the head chef and all her kids working side by side. It is a true blessing. This is our home away from home. When you walk through our doors at OakTown Kabobs, expect to be treated as family, with smiles and laughs. We always make sure you leave satisfied.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The best advice I can offer is to never act superior to anyone on your team. Everyone has their role, and as long as there’s mutual respect, they will remain loyal to both you and your brand. Maintaining high morale is important, but the real challenge lies in the anticipation of becoming the best version of yourself—not just at work, but in life. I always try to paint the bigger picture for our team, helping them understand that all the hard work has a greater purpose. It’s a long, sometimes difficult process, but we have a clear goal and plan in motion. It’s about being patient and waiting for the seeds we’ve planted to grow into something meaningful—something we can all be proud of.

Starting a business from the ground up is never easy. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, but your determination will ultimately shape your outcome. Don’t get caught up in chasing money as your main motivation—if you do, you’ll always be running after one thing. Instead, focus on your goals and remind your team that they have a purpose in this journey. And always choose your team carefully. There will be challenges, and there may be a bad apple here and there, but that’s just part of the process.

The key is to never give up on yourself. In two years, you won’t believe how much your life can change just by staying focused, determined, and true to your vision.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been my twin brother going door-to-door, passing out takeout menus to both commercial and residential buildings. While it’s a small effort that takes a bit of time, the face-to-face interaction allows us to build a personal connection in just a few minutes. By the time we leave the doorstep, we’ve made a meaningful impression, and many are eager to come and support our local gem. Having our beloved mother as our head chef for OakTown Kabobs and all her kids working alongside with her is also something small but a very effective way for growing clientele’s support and trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oaktownkabobs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaktownkabobs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Oaktown-Kabobs/61556944126558/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oaktown-kabobs-oakland