Hakki Akdeniz
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Hakki Akdeniz | |
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| Born | February 1, 1984 |
| Occupation(s) | Restaurateur, pizza chef |
Hakki Akdeniz (born 1984, February 1) is an American restaurateur. He is owner and founder of the pizzeria chain Champion Pizza in New York City.[1][2][3][4]
Biography
Hakki Akdeniz: A Philanthropic Restaurateur Redefining Pizza Culture Hakki Akdeniz, a restaurateur and pizza chef, has left an indelible mark on New York City's culinary landscape. As the owner and founder of the renowned pizzeria chain Champion Pizza, Hakki´s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and steadfast commitment to serving both, delicious slices, and the community.
Early Life and Beginnings Hakki Akdeniz was born on February 5, 1980, in the small village of Silvan, Diyarbakır Province, Turkey. Growing up in a challenging environment, he honed his entrepreneurial spirit by engaging in street vending and shoe polishing to support his family. These experiences instilled in him a profound understanding of business dynamics and ignited his aspirations for a brighter future beyond the confines of his village. In 1997, Hakki's journey took him to Montreal, Canada, where he worked at his brother's pizzeria. This marked the beginning of his gastronomic and business education, as he not only learned the art of delectable crafting pizzas but also grasped the intricacies of running a successful establishment.
A New York Dream In 2001, Hakki moved to the bustling metropolis of New York City with a mere $240 in his pocket and a resolute determination to achieve his dream. Overcoming language barriers and immense competition, he immersed himself in the world of New York's pizza culture. From 2001 to 2005, he honed his craft while working at various pizzerias, absorbing the city's vibrant culinary scene. Hakki's passion and ambition culminated in establishing his first pizza shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, named Champion Pizza in 2009. His pizzeria quickly garnered attention not only for its delicious pies but also for his impressive dough-tossing acrobatics and flair for crafting giant pizzas. The accolades came pouring in, with a cover feature in PMQ Pizza Magazine spotlighting his exceptional skills and innovative approach to pizza-making.
A Pizza Empire with a Heart As his pizzeria empire expanded, Hakki always retained sight of his humble beginnings and the importance of giving back. He initiated a heartwarming tradition of distributing free slices to people experiencing homelessness, an act of kindness that eventually evolved into a weekly food and clothing distribution event on West 34th Street. This endeavour, held every Wednesday, has grown to include collaboration with homeless aid foundations and has attracted the participation of numerous celebrities and social media followers. Hakki's charitable efforts extended beyond New York's borders. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Maria in 2017, he provided relief efforts to those affected, distributing food, water, and necessities to impacted communities. In 2016, his Champion Pizza pizzeria attracted media attention by giving away free pizza for Star Wars Fans and patrons of his restaurant in honor of the late Carrie Fisher, whom had the opportunity to meet by chance while he was working at a pizzeria in 2005.
Recognitions and Awards Hakki's unwavering commitment to making a difference did not go unnoticed. He received multiple awards and commendations from the New York City Council, the New York House of Representatives, the L.E.S Hispanic council, the State of New York, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, and the offices of the Mayor and the Manhattan Borough Presidents, including the prestigious Beacon Award from The American Immigrant Society in 2019. His impactful contributions were further highlighted through a TED talk titled "Homeless Not Hopeless," which garnered over 1.3 million views as of August 2022.
Innovation and Franchise Expansion Hakki's passion for pizza innovation continues to drive him forward. His culinary endeavours now extend beyond traditional offerings, with plans to introduce healthier pizza options using organic dough and an array of vegetables. He envisions Champion Pizza's expansion across the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe, ensuring that pizza lovers worldwide can enjoy his unique creations while maintaining a focus on health. (Here we could talk about HAKKIS PIZZA, ESSEX TAQUERIA AND CLUCKS)
Legacy and Impact Hakki Akdeniz's journey from a small Turkish village to becoming a celebrated pizza entrepreneur in New York City serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, community, and compassion. His commitment to giving back and positively impacting society has redefined the notion of a successful restaurateur. As a world champion of acrobatic pizza performing competitions and a beacon of philanthropy, Hakki's story is not just about pizza; it's about creating a legacy that transcends boundaries. Intrigued by his journey, a documentary film capturing Hakki's extraordinary life and contributions is currently in the works, destined for submission to major film festivals. Whether through a slice of his pizza or a heartwarming act of charity, Hakki Akdeniz inspires others to dream big, work hard, and make a difference.[5]
Awards and honors
He received a total of 12 awards. In 2019, he received the Beacon Award from The American Immigrant Society. In February 2022, he gave a TED talk at Rutgers University titled Homeless Not Hopeless; it has received over 1.3 million views as of August 2022. [6]
References
- ^ Wilson, Michael (October 11, 2019). "'I Know the Struggle': Why a Pizza Mogul Left Pies at Memorials to 4 Homeless Men". The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ Nelson, Anna (December 22, 2019). "From Homeless to Millionaire: The Story of a Kurdish Pizza". Voice of America. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ Schapiro, Rich (February 1, 2017). "NYC pizzeria owner who came to U.S. as refugee offers 100". New York Daily News. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ Yvonne Ergil, Leyla (January 9, 2020). "The newest food achievements by Turks abroad". Daily Sabah. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ Romine, Taylor (October 14, 2019). "He used to be homeless. Now, he's trying to support the New York homeless community after a crisis". CNN. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ Yuruk, Betul (November 1, 2019). "US: Turkish pizza maker awarded for immigration success". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved July 2, 2022.