State Senator Anthony J. Portantino had the privilege, along with the California Small Business Association (CSBA), to honor Pasadena-based restaurant Heidar Baba Grill as the 25th Senate District 2017 Small Business of the Year. Ali Shirmohammadi and Mahrokh Eftekhari, owners of Heidar Baba Grill, were recognized during a luncheon ceremony in Sacramento along with family and friends.
“There is something very special about Ali and his family’s hospitality at Heidar Baba Grill. To me they remind me of my youth in the way the entire family works to make this proud Pasadena-based small business a success. They are so deserving of this honor that I could not wait for this day to come,” said Senator Portantino.
Heidar Baba Grill serves Persian and Middle Eastern food. It is situated across the street from Pasadena City College. It enjoys strong local support from students, the Persian American Community, and food lovers from across the San Gabriel Valley.
“My family and I were extremely excited when we were informed of this honor. We take pride in our work making our restaurant a success. We enjoy sharing our family’s cuisine with our neighbors and appreciate the California Small Business Association and Senator Portantino for recognizing us,” concluded Ali Shirmohammadi.
CSBA is a statewide association that promotes small business in California. Every Senator has the opportunity to nominate one small business for recognition each year. Senator Portantino has a long and productive relationship with the CSBA and local family-run businesses in the 25th Senate District.