Alykhan Popat comes from a family of entrepreneurs in Kenya, where his father, grandfather, and both sisters have inspired his passion for building businesses and creating meaningful impact. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, Alykhan has always been driven by a strong foundation in strategy and financial management.
Before founding Lisbon Street Kitchen (LSK) in 2021, post-COVID, Alykhan gained invaluable experience at Uber and PwC Kenya. At Uber, he worked in business development for the UK and Irish markets, where he successfully negotiated and onboarded hundreds of establishments, driving significant revenue growth. At PwC Kenya, he contributed to large-scale restructuring and due diligence projects, including financial modeling and strategic planning for some of East Africa’s largest corporations.
In 2021, Alykhan launched Lisbon Street Kitchen, which has since grown into a collection of unique culinary concepts, including Libertà Kitchen, Libertà Pasta Bar, Furio, and Pescatore. Each concept reflects his commitment to quality, innovation, and fostering a supportive environment for his team. Through LSK, the team has created spaces that combine exceptional food with meaningful hospitality, bringing people together and redefining the dining experience.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favourite book/magazine? «Setting the Table» by Danny Meyer.
Favourite meal and drink? Grilled seabass with boiled vegetables, potatoes, olive oil, and salt—so simple, yet so beautiful. Definitely, water.