When Honesty
Creates Opportunities

On 16 May 2026, while I was at the reception desk of Lazeez Hakeem, a guest who had just finished dining at Table No. 4 approached the counter in a hurry. He needed to settle his bill and collect a takeaway order before leaving for Chhindwara. Understanding the urgency, I ensured that his parcel was prepared and handed over as quickly as possible.

In the rush, however, he unknowingly left behind his mobile phone on the table.

A member of our housekeeping team later found the phone and handed it over to me for safekeeping. Since the device was locked, there was no way to identify the owner. We decided to keep it secure and wait for the rightful owner to contact us.

A short while later, our restaurant number received a call. It was the guest.

Relieved to hear that his phone had been found, he informed me that he had already crossed Betul on his way to Chhindwara. He suggested that we look for a bus service and hand over the phone to a driver so he could collect it upon arrival.

What sounded simple turned out to be more challenging than expected.

Our team spent considerable time searching for a reliable and safe transportation option. After several enquiries and follow-ups, on 17 May 2026, we finally found a trustworthy driver who agreed to carry the phone safely to Chhindwara.

Once the phone had been delivered, I called the guest to confirm that he had received it. His response was filled with gratitude.

He told me that in today's world, recovering a lost phone with all its personal data, memories, contacts, and important information intact was something people rarely expect. He repeatedly thanked our team for our honesty and efforts.

I simply replied,

"It was our duty. Guests occasionally leave their belongings behind, and we always do our best to return them safely."

What began as a routine customer service interaction soon turned into a memorable conversation.

During our discussion, he shared that he had lived in Bhopal many years ago before permanently relocating to Chhindwara nearly fifteen to twenty years ago. As our conversation continued, he spoke highly of the values and professionalism demonstrated by our team. He then asked whether there was any possibility of building a business relationship with Lazeez Hakeem.

I explained that the brand is actively working on expansion plans and exploring franchise opportunities in selected cities.

The moment he heard this, his excitement became evident. He said that bringing Lazeez Hakeem to Chhindwara would be a matter of pride and expressed genuine interest in opening a franchise outlet in the city. He was eager to discuss the opportunity immediately, but I requested that we schedule a detailed meeting after Muharram.

Before ending the conversation, he said:

"Let's sit together after Muharram and discuss everything in detail. We can explore the financial aspects and work towards opening a Lazeez Hakeem outlet in Chhindwara. I would be delighted to be associated with a brand that values honesty and trust."

As the call came to an end, he thanked us once again—not only for returning his phone but for demonstrating the principles that build lasting trust.

That day reminded me that successful business relationships are not always created in boardrooms or formal meetings. Sometimes, they begin with a simple act of integrity, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing.

At Lazeez Hakeem, we believe that every guest interaction matters.

Some guests leave with the memory of a great meal.
Others leave behind a story.
And occasionally, those stories return as opportunities that shape the future.

Perhaps this story is the beginning of one such journey.