A Slice of Success:  Hammad Koul marks one year of La Pino’z in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 16: When La Pino’z Pizza opened its doors in downtown Srinagar a year ago, many wondered whether the city was ready for another international food chain. Today, as the outlet celebrates its first anniversary, it stands as a symbol of consistency, quality, and smart business planning.For young entrepreneur Hammad Koul, the journey from journalism graduate to successful restaurateur has been as fulfilling as it has been challenging. Koul, who holds a BA in Journalism from IGNOU, had always been drawn towards entrepreneurship. Coming from a business-oriented family, he wanted to combine global food culture with Kashmir’s growing appetite for diverse dining experiences. Talking to Rising Kashmir, Koul said that Valley has a deep-rooted food heritage, but the younger generation also craves global flavours. “Pizza is a universal food, and I believed it could connect across age groups here,” he said. The first year of La Pino’z in Srinagar has been marked by steady growth and strong customer loyalty. The decision to open in downtown Srinagar was also deliberate and strategic. The area, known for its historic charm and bustling community life, offered both accessibility and cultural relevance. “Downtown is the heartbeat of Srinagar. We wanted La Pino’z to be part of that daily rhythm, where locals and visitors could gather, relax, and enjoy something new, he said adding that they are mulling to open another outlet in Karaganar locality. Koul said that over the past year, the outlet’s warm, modern interiors have made it a popular choice for family outings, casual meetups, and celebrations, cementing its reputation as a reliable hangout spot. He said thus venture has made a tangible contribution to the local economy. Within a year, the outlet has created jobs for five young people, providing them with professional training in hospitality and food service. “I wanted La Pino’z Srinagar to also serve as a learning space. Our team members are not just employees; they are gaining skills, confidence, and experience that will help them grow further in life. That, for me, is as important as running a business,” he said. Koul also credits the community and loyal customers for sustaining the outlet during its first year. He said that people came in for the first time out of curiosity, but what made them return was the atmosphere and the sense that they were valued. We built trust slowly, one customer at a time, and their loyalty became our greatest advertisement. The strong word-of-mouth reviews have been more effective than any marketing campaign,” the young entrepreneur said.  “I want La Pino’z Srinagar to become a household name,” he said with confidence. “And I want it to inspire other young people in Kashmir to believe in their dreams. Entrepreneurship is never easy, but if you work hard, stay honest, and remain consistent, success will follow,” Koul said. The outlet was made possible through the vision and leadership of Sanam Kapoor, Founder of La Pino’z Pizza, whose support brought the brand to the Valley and created a new place for people to come together over great food. “Among the most popular items over the past year have been the Taco’s, the Giant Slice Pizza, and the Garlic Bread, which have quickly turned into bestsellers and customer favourites,” he added. Manager Mohammad Zubi, who oversees a team of five employees, the success lies in maintaining uncompromising quality. “From the very beginning, we ensured that our ingredients and recipes matched the standards La Pino’z is known for across the country. Customers immediately noticed the difference, and they kept coming back,” he said. Alongside authenticity, the team made small but significant efforts to adapt to local tastes by introducing variations infused with Kashmiri spices. This approach allowed the outlet to balance global appeal with a touch of local familiarity, he added.