Liverpool food favourite Nabzy's is preparing to reach a major milestone by opening its 20th outlet. The brand, founded by Preston-born entrepreneur Nabeel Tabarik, has become one of the city's best-known names in the fast food industry.
The 38-year-old launched Nabzy's on Leece Street in 2016, laying the foundations for what has since become a hugely popular business. Today, the brand boasts a large social media following, enjoys cult status among students, and has attracted praise from a string of celebrity fans.
Expansion across Merseyside and beyond
The ECHO previously met with Nabeel at his West Derby site to learn about the success of the booming business. At the time, he revealed that more sites were on the horizon, and now another one is about to launch.
Since then, Nabzy's has opened on Smithdown Road, taking over the former home of DeNiro's, as well as in Stanley Road in Bootle and in Waterloo. This time around, Nabzy's is popping up in Wavertree. The brand simply said: "Wavertree. Coming Soon." Nabeel also confirmed to the ECHO that further stores were coming in Birkenhead and Glasgow.
A message to customers
Known particularly for its chicken and pizza, the company has also expanded into Waterloo, Norris Green, Anfield, Manchester and Chorley. Nabeel said he wouldn't be where he is today, with Nabzy's enjoying the heights of success it does, without its community of customers.
He previously said: "We started a long time ago as just kids, really. We started opposite the Bombed Out Church and rocketed from there. The rest has been history really, but throughout all the years, the people have always remained for us. Everybody has a very important role to play. I've always wanted to do business. I've always been interested in it, I worked at my dad's place with my four brothers when I was a teenager."
"But I never thought now we'd be here today. It never works out like that, you never plan it but you just keep going, putting the hard work in, and then it just starts growing. We were on four sites for many years, but the interest just came, and then we were able to open more. When celebrities and influencers start taking a like to your brand, the whole city gets behind you."
"Every chance I get I say it, Liverpool is a special place in our hearts. We've got no locations left, really, in the city. Every three or four miles, you will find one of us, you will find a Nabzy's. We are in most of the areas. When we look at new locations, there is none left for us now. It's a totally different city here, everyone is so welcoming and of very good character."
"We've had the same regulars for years. We've seen mums get pregnant and then the kids coming in at two and three-years-old. We've been in the game for so long we are now seeing their kids. It's the same cycle and you see the customers going through all these different stages in their lives, it's so good to see."
"Everyone keeps coming back and that's the best thing - we aren't perfect but we are always trying to better ourselves. A lot of areas, where our shops are, are in deprived areas, and we come from these same places. We grew up here and were brought up in council estates ourselves, so to see people spend their hard-earned money here, trying to feed their children and families, it means we need to try our best to get it right. They need to get their money's worth."
