The Grand Sapphire Story: Hospitality, Entrepreneurship & Community Impact

Sunrise Corner Shop Podcast

Tuesday, 28 July 2026 - 55 minutes

In this episode of The Sunrise Corner Shop Podcast, Tony Lit, MD of Sunrise Radio, sits down with Suleman Raza MBE, founder of Spice Village Restaurants and Grand Sapphire, to explore one of Britain's most inspiring entrepreneurial journeys.

Starting out as a chef before opening a small takeaway in Tooting, Suleman shares how that vision grew into an award-winning hospitality group renowned for its restaurants, luxury event venues and catering business. Alongside building a successful enterprise, he reflects on the importance of innovation, leadership, resilience and developing a thriving multi-generational family business.

The conversation also explores the humanitarian work that earned him national recognition, including the One Million Meals campaign, his MBE for services to business and philanthropy, and why giving back has always been central to his mission.

An inspiring episode for entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone interested in hospitality, leadership and building a business with purpose.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

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