Today we’d like to introduce you to Amir Hajimaleki.
Hi Amir, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Iran during the war between Iran and Iraq, lived in Iran until I was 9 before moving to the US. I grew up in Austin and a brief stay in Denver. I think the challenges I went through as a young kid from the war to adapting to a new country really shaped me for where I am today. I have an incredibly strong mother who also made sure I never give up on my goals and dreams. When in iran i realized at a young age, no matter the differences in people whether its religion, politics or anything else once they are surrounded around a dining table enjoying a delicious meal together brought everyone together. This is why i got into the hospitality business. Although i’ve loved growing up in Texas i also felt a disconnect from my culture which i am very proud of. Which is what brought me to opening Roya, this project both keeps me connected to my culture as well as allowing me to share my culture with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been smooth, but nothing good comes easily. I think the biggest struggles have been learning the hard way about having good partnerships and contracts when getting business with people or other companies.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My most recent concept is Roya. This Persian concept honors my Iranian family heritage through the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in dishes that I have been serving at exclusive pop-up dinners across the Austin area since 2018. The menu is built around family recipes and familiar dishes from my Persian roots. You’ll find my grandmother’s spirit sprinkled throughout the menu like the Fesenjoon (made with organic bone-in chicken thighs, braised in pomegranate, walnuts, caramelized onions). At its core, it’s about the art of hospitality that’s central to Persian culture. I wanted Roya to feel like being welcomed into someone’s home, while offering a perspective beyond the stereotypes people often see.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I think luck is a result of hard work and persistence of putting yourself out there so opportunities can find you. At times things don’t go your away which some call that bad luck but i think in every “bad luck” situations lays a opportunity that you can take advantage of or learn from. I do believe everything happens for a reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amir3875.wixsite.com/roya
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaaustin/?hl=en
