In 2015, at the age of 26, Ali decided to venture to Australia to study and live with his brother in Sydney. He enrolled at the University of Technology Sydney and, two years later, earned his accounting degree.

It was time for Ali to find work in the industry, which he found challenging. Yes, there were roles, but they weren’t exactly what he was looking for. Ali then made another bold move; he relocated to Tasmania and took up a role in a bakery. Ali said, “Learning to bake was something I loved. I gained so many baking skills, learned the fundamentals of how to run a successful business, and fell in love with the countryside and the peaceful space Tasmania provides my family and I.”

Ali knew that while Tasmania ticked many boxes, there were limited opportunities for him and his family. In addition, his wife was offered a full-time physiotherapist role on the Central Coast, and his brother was also living there. So, home was now going to be the Central Coast.

In Ali’s words, “We never looked back. My wife is enjoying her role, and I got to work at Kol’s Kebabs with my brother in Bateau Bay Square. I enjoyed working with food again, and some three years later, the opportunity to purchase the business came to my brother and me. We knew this opportunity was something we couldn’t say no to.”

In mid to late 2023, Ali heard that the owner of the previous kebab shop at Lake Haven Centre had retired, and they were looking for a new operator to take over the shop. Ali and his brother had all the experience they needed, so they took on the challenge and, in January 2024, opened Kol’s Kebabs at Lake Haven Centre.

We asked Ali what the number one, fundamental reason was for why he and his brother decided to open in Lake Haven Centre. He was quick to respond: “The traffic.”

Opening day for any business is always a tricky one. We asked Ali how opening day went. He replied, “It exceeded our expectations. We were so busy, it was hard to keep up with customer demand.”

Since Kol’s Kebabs opened, the business has been well received. Ali says, “You need to check out the comments on The Central Coast Food Lovers Facebook page. Many say Kol’s Kebabs are the best on the Coast.”

When asked why he believes Kol’s Kebabs are the best on the Coast, he replies, “Value for money. They are not only fresh, but just so filling. We even have families come from as far as Morrissett and Lake Munmorah on a Thursday night for a feed.”

When asked about what else he believes is an instrumental factor in the success of the business, he says, “Our staff. They love working with my brother and me. We are all a happy bunch, and they understand the importance of good customer service and teamwork. Our staff don’t pay for food or drinks when working for us. We appreciate and support them as much as we can.”

When asked the following, his answers will not surprise you:

• Favourite food: Kebab with salad, chilli, and hummus.
• Favourite place to holiday: Tasmania.
• Favourite sport: Cricket.
• Favourite podcast: Anything by Mark Bouris.

So, what does the future hold? He responds, “Keep doing what we are doing, offering quality products and good service to our customers, and when I can, enjoy time with family and friends.”