Akbar's founder and 'naan tree' inventor Shabir Hussain dies aged 56
He set up the first branch of the curry house chain in Bradford in 1995
The founder of curry house chain Akbar's has died at the age of 56.
Shabir Hussain, often dubbed the 'King of Curry', set up the first branch in Bradford in 1995.
The business later expanded to locations including Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester.
In a post on social media, the chain wrote: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group."
"All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm.
"Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time."
Figures from across the restaurant world have been paying tribute, with Bradford West MP Naz Shah writing Hussain's death is a "huge loss".
Among his achievements, Hussain claimed earlier this year to be the inventor of the 'naan tree', a metal pole on which large flatbreads are now commonly served at curryhouses.