What happens when a young engineering student from Bangladesh finds himself washing pots in a university cafeteria in Louisiana? For Ema Haq, it became the first step in an extraordinary journey that would transform him into one of Lafayette's most beloved restaurateurs and community leaders.
"I didn't even know how to cook rice," Ema laughs, recalling his earliest days in America. Yet this mechanical engineer would go on to win over 30 culinary awards, operate multiple successful restaurants, and build a food distribution empire—all while maintaining his engineering career. "People thought I was a robot," he shares, describing years of working two full-time jobs simultaneously.
Ema's story is defined not just by professional success but by profound gratitude and commitment to giving back. For over three decades, his annual Thanksgiving meal has grown from serving 160 people to feeding more than 1,500 across Acadiana. This tradition was inspired by his own experience as a foreign student welcomed to a local family's table—a connection so meaningful that 42 years later, he still calls his host "Mom" and speaks with her daily.
From Bailey's Tandoori Grill to Ema's Cafe to his expanding food distribution business, Ema approaches everything with the same philosophy: "If I can do it, you can do much better than I do." His partnerships with local schools reward students for improvement, not just excellence, recognizing that progress deserves celebration.
Behind every aspect of Ema's work lies a simple motivation: "This country has given me a lot, and I feel a moral obligation." Despite receiving numerous honors, including the prestigious Jewell Pilie Humanitarian Award, his focus remains on creating opportunity for others. "We need to make our neighborhood better, our community better," he insists. "I want to see a better America than what I found."
Tune in to hear the full story of how a pot washer became a pillar of the community, and discover why Ema believes that genuine care for others is the secret ingredient to a life well-lived.
The podcast was made possible through partnerships with Ounce of Hope, Logic Refrigeration HVAC, Chris Logan Media, and Sunday Soda Fountain – proving that when a community rallies around celebrating local food culture, amazing things happen. Subscribe now to join this delicious adventure and become part of the movement that's transforming Lafayette's food scene one bite at a time!
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