Albania Ilc, Eagles Point Bar and Grill, New Day Cafe, Calabrian Italian Restaurant, Euros Gyros, Albanian Girl, are just a few restoration businesses of the Albanian-American Zek Nokshiqi, out of 15, how many he has in total for now in America respectively in the state of Texas, where most of them are in Dallas and Fort Worth with the district.

But how did he achieve this success, although by many, America is considered the "Promised Land".

Nokshiqi in an interview for the Telegraph, said that 31 years ago he left without knowing what awaited him, but he knew that he was traveling to the "Promised Land", America, and today after about a quarter of a century to go back in time, says that yes, it has achieved far beyond his expectations.

Since the field of gastronomy is what made Albanians more distinguished than other communities living in the United States, and why exactly Nokshiqi chose this business, he for

he mentioned the famous expression that "love in its universal sense comes from the stomach."

"Essentially, gastronomy is an art in itself, and the art of cooking is an eternal and inalienable relationship between food and culture, implying here a variety of cultures intertwined with the tradition of each in the field of cooking," he said. he among other things in the interview.

What makes him more special than others in his work and business, he thinks that “every human being is unique in himself and me personally, the thing that makes me special if I can say it, is the fact that always in every moment I walked with the modesty that characterizes me.

I have traveled between two realities, being at the same time both Albanian and American, without violating either one or the other ".

However, he says there is a message for all young people aiming for or aspiring to the path of success.

"Never stop looking for your dream, your success.

Even if you fall a thousand times, yes a thousand more times to rise stronger, because the challenges and difficulties without question make them invincible.

"Wherever you go and touch any dream, never forget where you came from," he said.

Nokshiqi, who is also the vice president of the Albanian community in Dallas-Texas, also talks about the life of the Albanian community in this country, where according to him, the Albanian community in Dallas-Texas, is well organized in every dimension,

Telegraph:

Nokshiqi, the field of gastronomy, is what makes Albanians more distinct than other communities living in the United States.

Tell us, why did you first decide on this business?

Zek Nokshiqi:

Thank you very much for the opportunity you give me, through this interview, to express my beginnings and the long road I have traveled in these 31 years in the US.

in the field of business.

I can first say the famous expression that "love in its universal sense comes from the stomach."

First of all, it was simply a solution because I did not have the luxury of choosing what I could and could not do.

Then I realized that I had started a journey of no return and with all my difficulties and dedication, of family, relatives, friends, I believed and hoped that I could succeed.

Telegraph: You

are already a successful businessman in the US.

Tell us a little about the challenges, the difficulties you have encountered up to the path of success?

Zek Nokshiqi: The

difficulties have been innumerable.

and of the most varied.

Essentially, gastronomy is an art in itself, and the art of cooking, is an eternal and inalienable relationship between food and culture, implying here a variety of cultures intertwined with the tradition of each in the field of cooking.

I had to study and get information about the specialties of different regions, and not only.

I definitely had to perfect the way they were served and everything else to get to where I am.

Telegraph:

You have approximately 15 restaurants in America, exactly in Texas.

How difficult is management, care, and performance since you live and work outside the country of origin, and in a country where competition is fierce?

Zek Nokshiqi:

The first and most challenging difficulty was to overcome the fact that I was building my life away from home, and in an irreversible moment I called America as my second home, where I would have to work hard, face difficulties known and unknown, from which I would learn and grow professionally.

Here, I learned that discipline, correctness and perseverance in the face of any challenge were important to the well-being of these businesses.

At various times I thought of giving up, but always somewhere out there, there was a solution to the knot that tormented me, and I found it.

Telegraph:

By many, America is considered the "Promised Land."

Did you achieve the goal you had when you stepped into this place?

Zek Nokshiqi:

31 years ago I left without knowing what awaited me, but I knew I was traveling to the "Promised Land", America, and today after about a quarter of a century to go back in time, I say yes, I have reached far beyond my expectations.

I have achieved many of them at the cost of the commodity of distance from my parents, and my family, but never, no achievement or social status, has damaged my relationship with them, because I belong to them and they belong to me eternally.

I just would not achieve anything, and for that I am grateful to all the important people in my life, family, relatives, friends and anyone who came with me on this journey.

Telegraph:

What made you more special than others in your work and business?

Zek Nokshiqi:

I think that every human being is unique in itself and me personally, the thing that makes me special if I can say it, is the fact that I have always walked in every moment with the modesty that characterizes me. I have traveled between two realities, being both Albanian and American, without compromising either. It has always kept me alive the idea that in my country it would get better, and one day I could go back there. I have tried never to turn back a hand that has been extended to me, asking me for help. I may not have done everything I should have done, but I believe I did everything I could without thinking twice, and I will do it whenever I can.

Telegrafi:

Have you ever considered moving your business to Kosovo, so investing in your country of origin?

Zek Nokshiqi:

It was an idea that constantly accompanied me on my path to gastronomy.

And this, not only in Kosovo but also in Albania and Montenegro.

I think that at some point I will put this idea into practice, but there is still a long way to go, and the challenge to be overcome.

Telegraph:

In addition to customers who are regular visitors, do your restaurants frequent well-known personalities of politics, art, music, and sports?

Zek Nokshiqi:

Apart from ordinary customers, in our restaurants, there have never been different personalities from the world of art, sports and politics, for the very fact that in restaurants there are different specialties, and the service is also to be admired.

It has always been the first dish of my country's specialty, which we have served with pride.

Telegraph:

You are also the vice president of the Albanian community in Dallas-Texas.

Tell us a little about the life of the Albanian community in this country?

Zek Nokshiqi

: The Albanian community in Dallas-Texas, where I am vice president, is well organized in every dimension. A job has been done, I can say one of the most important, with the opening of the Albanian school, with specialized staff, so that our children keep alive the Albanian language and traditions. Also, we hold various events, meetings with Albanian and foreign personalities in the interest of this community. Every year, activities are organized, such as the Independence Day, the New Year, and other festive moments, in order for this community to be united, because only in this way will it move forward without forgetting our language, customs and tradition. beautiful albanian. Only in this way will the difficulties be overcome and everyone, part of this community will be supported, in order not to feel like a stranger,or left in oblivion, but feel important in this great country and world.

Telegrafi:

What is your message to all Albanians and especially to young people aiming for success?

Zek Nokshiqi

: For all those who aspire to the path of success my message is: Never stop looking for your dream, your success. Even if you fall a thousand times, get up a thousand times stronger, because the challenges and difficulties without question make them invincible. Wherever you go and whatever dream you touch, never forget where you came from because a philosopher has said, "Someone who has forgotten his past is 'obliged' to repeat it." Always be modest and never "fight" with the weakest, but challenge the strong and respect the weak. Always help the one in need, even if one moment all the good can return to the boomerang. Remember that the good one day indisputably comes back, and you just have to wait. Frequently turn your head from the past to move forward. The past is the axis,is the foundation of your future, pursuing values ​​and improving ourselves every day.

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