Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
MUFC Recognizes Afghan Political Refugee with the American Dream Award
The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference celebrated Baryalay Razi’s unique and humbling story.
Baryalay Razi, a franchisee with Aloha Poke Co. and Bojangles, was recognized with "The American Dream Award" during this year's Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC).
When Razi, a United Nations delegate from Afghanistan, sought political asylum in the United States, his life’s direction shifted dramatically. Razi became a manager at a Dallas-Fort Worth Whataburger. It was a major change for the multilingual with a Master’s degree in International Law, but with determination and humility, he rose through the ranks of the restaurant industry and eventually became Whataburger’s director of operations.
When he left Whataburger years later, Razi found further success as a franchisee. He currently owns and operates five Bojangles locations in Maryland and has signed on to open 13 Aloha Poke Co. locations: 10 in his adopted hometown of Houston and three in Maryland.
His accomplishments in the franchise world led to an invitation to speak at the MUFC, where Razi was acknowledged by conference organizers.
"I am very proud and honored to be recognized for the American Dream Award," said Razi. "Everything I have done is for the safety and opportunity of my children. I wanted them to grow up in a country where hard work and dedication can lead to success, and we have done that. I am humbled by this recognition and am eternally grateful for every opportunity this country has provided me."
Today, each of Razi’s children is deeply involved in the multi-brand family business. Their business with Aloha Poke Co. and Bojangles has become a source of pride and prosperity for the entire family.
“Aloha Poke Co. is excited and extremely proud of Razi for being recognized with the American Dream Award,” said Paul Tripodes, Aloha Poke Co.’s vice president of franchise development. “Razi’s story, from walking the halls of the United Nations to managing a Dallas Whataburger, reads like a Hollywood movie script. His professional dedication, work ethic and love for his family make Razi a true inspiration, and we are thrilled to have him as an Aloha Poke Co. franchisee.”
