Zafar: Ex-Taxi Driver Turns Millionaire in Italian Markets
Pakistani Immigrant Builds Thriving Ethnic Food Empire in Southern Italy
Table of Contents
- Pakistani Immigrant Builds Thriving Ethnic Food Empire in Southern Italy
- From Taxi Driver to retail Mogul: The Story of Zafar Iqbal’s Ethnic Food Empire
- Who is Zafar Iqbal?
- How did Zafar Iqbal start his business?
- What inspired zafar Iqbal to open ethnic food stores?
- Where are Iqbal’s stores located?
- What Products does Iqbal’s stores offer?
- How did Iqbal’s business grow?
- What is Zafar Iqbal’s family life like?
- What is Iqbal’s typical work schedule?
- Does Iqbal’s business create job opportunities?
- How has Iqbal maintained competitive pricing?
- What are Zafar Iqbal’s future plans?
- What is the financial success of Iqbal’s company?
- Summary of Key Facts of Zafar Iqbal’s Business
BARI, Italy – Zafar Iqbal, a 61-year-old Pakistani immigrant, has carved out a successful entrepreneurial path in Italy by catering to the diverse culinary needs of its immigrant communities. Starting from humble beginnings, Iqbal now owns four thriving ethnic food stores across the Puglia region, specifically between Bari and Brindisi.
From Taxi Driver to Retail Mogul
Iqbal’s journey began in 1996 when he arrived in Bari from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, wiht a one-way ticket and aspirations for a better life.He left behind his job as a taxi driver. ”I worked from five in the morning to ten in the evening, always in the car, but I dreamed of a diffrent life,” he said.
His initial foray into the Italian workforce involved a stint as a handyman at a sports center in Bari. Dissatisfied with the meager wages, he relocated to Brescia and found employment at a resin boat manufacturing company. After being laid off in 2011, Iqbal decided to return to Bari with his wife and five children, persistent to start anew.
Meeting a Market Need
Recognizing a gap in the market, Iqbal conceived the idea of providing fellow immigrants with access to the foods they missed from their home countries. This led to the opening of his first ethnic market in the Madonnella district of Bari, an area with a significant immigrant population.
the business quickly gained traction through word-of-mouth referrals. “At the beginning I built just 60 euros per day, but then, thanks to word of mouth, I saw that customers grew constantly. and after a year, the daily collections increased more and more,” Iqbal said.
Expansion and Diversification
Buoyed by his initial success, Iqbal expanded his operations, opening a second store in 2014, followed by a third in Bari and another in Brindisi. In 2015, he invested in a large warehouse in Bari’s industrial area to store the vast array of products he imports from around the globe.
His stores boast a diverse selection of ethnic foods, including Halal meats, Asian spices, South American staples, and African delicacies. Customers can find everything from noodles and seaweed to couscous and falafel,catering to a wide range of culinary preferences.
A Family affair
Iqbal lives with his wife, five children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren in a large apartment. He maintains a rigorous work schedule,waking up at 5 a.m. and working until 11 p.m. He personally travels to Northern Italy to source products directly from manufacturers, cutting out intermediaries to offer competitive prices.
Creating jobs and Opportunities
Iqbal’s business has created numerous jobs for immigrants, all of whom are hired legally. He notes that few Italians are willing to work for an immigrant entrepreneur. “I tell young Italians not to go abroad, in Italy the work is there. It is enough to have courage and organization,” he said.
Future Plans
Iqbal plans to open a new market near the Bari railway station, specifically targeting Italian customers. His ultimate ambition is to transform his business into a globally recognized franchise.
As of May 4, 2025, Iqbal’s company’s turnover reached 8 million.
From Taxi Driver to retail Mogul: The Story of Zafar Iqbal’s Ethnic Food Empire
Who is Zafar Iqbal?
Zafar Iqbal is a 61-year-old Pakistani immigrant who has built a thriving ethnic food business in Southern Italy. He owns four stores in the Puglia region, specifically in and between Bari and Brindisi. This journey began with a dream and a one-way ticket decades ago.
How did Zafar Iqbal start his business?
Zafar Iqbal’s entrepreneurial story in Italy started in 1996 when he arrived in Bari from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He left his job as a taxi driver and sought a better life. His initial jobs in Italy included a handyman position and work at a resin boat manufacturing company. After being laid off, Iqbal returned to Bari in 2011 and realized there was a gap in the market for ethnic foods, inspiring him to create his own business.
What inspired zafar Iqbal to open ethnic food stores?
Iqbal recognized that immigrants in Italy missed the foods from their home countries. he decided to provide access to these familiar tastes, leading to the opening of his first ethnic market. This demonstrated a keen understanding of a specific market need, allowing him to cater to this niche and pave the way for growth.
Where are Iqbal’s stores located?
According to the article, Iqbal owns four stores located in the Puglia region of Italy, specifically “between Bari and Brindisi.” The exact location of the stores is not mentioned in the article.
What Products does Iqbal’s stores offer?
Iqbal’s stores offer a diverse selection of ethnic foods. Customers can find a wide variety of items, including:
Halal meats
asian spices
South American staples
African delicacies
Noodles
Seaweed
Couscous
Falafel
How did Iqbal’s business grow?
Iqbal’s business initially gained traction thru word-of-mouth referrals.After a year, the daily collections increased significantly. He expanded operations by opening a second store in 2014, followed by a third in Bari and another in Brindisi. In 2015, he invested in a large warehouse to store imported products. The business’s progression highlights his ability to meet local market demand.
What is Zafar Iqbal’s family life like?
Zafar iqbal lives with his wife, five children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren in a large apartment. This strong family presence helps him maintain a rigorous work schedule and provides a solid base for his entrepreneurship.
What is Iqbal’s typical work schedule?
Iqbal maintains a demanding work schedule. He wakes up at 5 a.m. and works until 11 p.m. This dedication is a key factor in his success.
Does Iqbal’s business create job opportunities?
yes, Iqbal’s business has created numerous jobs for immigrants, all of whom are hired legally. This highlights his commitment to supporting the immigrant community and providing opportunities.
How has Iqbal maintained competitive pricing?
Iqbal personally travels to Northern Italy to source products directly from manufacturers, cutting out intermediaries. This direct sourcing allows him to offer competitive prices.
What are Zafar Iqbal’s future plans?
Iqbal plans to open a new market near the Bari railway station, specifically targeting Italian customers. His ultimate ambition is to transform his business into a globally recognized franchise. This indicates his vision for continued growth.
What is the financial success of Iqbal’s company?
As of May 4, 2025, Iqbal’s company’s turnover reached 8 million euros.
Summary of Key Facts of Zafar Iqbal’s Business
| Aspect | details |
| ——————- | ——————————————————————————- |
| Founder | Zafar Iqbal |
| Origin | Pakistani Immigrant |
| Business type | ethnic Food Retail |
| Location | Puglia region, Italy (Bari & Brindisi) |
| Number of Stores | Four |
| Turnover (May 2025) | 8 million euros |
| Products | Halal meats, Asian spices, South American staples, African delicacies, etc. |
| Future Plans | Open new market near Bari railway station, global franchise ambition |