In the heart of San Diego, California, lives a man whose path from pharmacy to food service holds surprising lessons for entrepreneurs across the world—including in London. Javid Javdani started out washing cars and ended up running a popular Mediterranean restaurant. His journey shows how grit, resourcefulness, and a sense of community can drive business success, even in unexpected industries.
In cities like London, where small businesses often serve diverse neighbourhoods, Javdani’s approach is highly relevant. He saw gaps in his community and filled them—not with grand marketing plans, but by listening to what people needed. “I stocked foods no one else had,” he says. “People didn’t have to drive across the city anymore to get things from home. I brought it all under one roof.”
His example matters in places like Brixton, Wembley, or Whitechapel—where immigrants and local families seek familiarity through food and products. Entrepreneurs in London can take note: understanding your neighbourhood isn’t a bonus—it’s the whole game.
Early Lessons from Humble Jobs
Javid wasn’t born into business. He grew up working jobs most people overlook. “I washed cars, pumped gas, cleaned kitchens,” he says. “Not fun work. But I was proud to earn something on my own.”
These jobs weren’t just stepping stones. They taught him how business works at the ground level. He noticed how a good tip depended on how clean the windshield was. He saw which gas stations drew repeat customers—and why. He observed what made a restaurant busy on a Wednesday.
In cities like London, where young people hustle through side gigs and part-time work, Javid’s story proves that even the simplest job can teach something useful. “People think you need to start with a business plan,” he says. “Sometimes you just need to watch and learn.”
Climbing the Ladder in Healthcare
After earning a chemistry degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona in 1989, Javid continued to University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy. By 1994, he was a licensed pharmacist.
He spent years working in hospital settings, eventually becoming Director of Pharmacy at Kindred Hospital from 1997 to 2017. The role taught him responsibility, attention to detail, and how to manage teams.
But something was missing.
“I liked helping patients,” he says, “but I kept thinking about starting something of my own. I wanted to create jobs. I wanted to take a risk.”
Buying a Grocery Store—and Doubling It
In 2005, Javid noticed a small grocery shop for sale in his neighbourhood. “It was close to home. I thought, maybe this is the time,” he says.
He didn’t just run the shop. He reimagined it. He doubled its size and stocked it with international foods that reflected the diverse population of his area—Persian, Indian, Arab, Eastern European, and more.
“People would walk in and say, ‘I haven’t seen this snack since I was a child.’ That meant something,” Javid recalls.
It worked because it wasn’t about flashy branding—it was about heart. He didn’t advertise heavily. Word spread on its own. “When people feel at home, they come back,” he says.
Pivoting to Restaurants: The Birth of Sufi Cuisine
By 2011, Javid took another leap. He opened Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, a restaurant and catering business that offered Persian and Mediterranean dishes with authenticity and care.
“It started as a passion project. I missed some of the foods I grew up with,” he says. The restaurant filled another gap in the community. It became known not just for its flavours, but for its personal touch. “People come in, and I try to remember their name, their usual order. That matters.”
This human connection is something many London food startups can learn from—especially in competitive boroughs. Personal service, cultural understanding, and consistency often win over fancy interiors or influencer ads.
Balancing Business with Expertise
Even while running his businesses, Javid never left pharmacy behind completely. He worked part-time as a Staff Pharmacist at Med-Plus Pharmacy from 2020 to 2023. “It kept me sharp,” he says. “I like solving problems, whether it’s in healthcare or in the kitchen.”
His ability to balance both careers is something that resonates with London’s multi-hyphenate generation—those who juggle day jobs with side hustles, or switch between industries.
Advice to London Entrepreneurs Starting from Scratch
Javid’s journey is filled with trial and error. But if there’s one thing he wants young business owners in London to remember, it’s this:
“Don’t wait for the perfect time. You’ll never have enough money, enough knowledge, or the right team. Start small. Use what you have.”
He also warns against getting stuck in planning mode. “Sometimes we talk so much about starting, we forget to actually start.”
And finally, know your community. “It’s not about what you want to sell,” he says. “It’s about what people need. If you get that right, the rest follows.”
Feature Image by TallGuyInc from Pixabay
