Iqbal Wahhab
Company:
Roast
Job title:
Founder of Roast
How did you get into the sector:
The oddest of routes. I was running a trade magazine for Indian restaurants in the 1990s called Tandoori and one month I upset my readers by criticizing the way Indian restaurant owners treated their employees which was why you got surly service in curry houses. Everyone turned against me and I had to leave. So I decided to open my own restaurant and that’s how The Cinnamon Club was born.
What do you enjoy about your role:
Again uncommonly, my role is that of a customer so I dine and define my experience to my senior management team – what it was and what it could have been.
Career high:
Opening The Cinnamon Club.
Career low:
Opening The Cinnamon Club.
What are your plans for the next year:
This is the year of dirty food and I am looking to do dirty restaurant especially in the American food space but also a return to Indian.
What was the biggest break of your career:
Winning the pitch to open Roast in Borough Market.
What are you most proud of in your career:
Finding in Rajasthan the amazing talent and personality that is Vivek Singh.
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the industry:
Don’t think you’re smarter than your boss.
Who inspires you:
In New York Danny Meyer for his incredible attention to detail.
What do you do in your downtime:
I’m addicted to my Nintendo Wii and am getting hugely fit doing the amazing personalised workouts they arrange.
What question do you always ask in interviews:
What was the last restaurant you dined at?
Tips that have made you a success:
Stick at it.