Hicksville Restaurant Peri-Peri GUYS Receives Empire Award

(Hicksville, NY) — A Hicksville restaurant has won the New York State Empire Business Award in recognition of its contributions and dedication to the community and New York State.  State Senator Kevin Thomas presented the founder of Peri-Peri GUYS restaurant in Delco Plaza with the New York State Empire Award, which honors innovative local businesses that have made a significant impact on their communities.

Founder Hafeez Raja, a Garden City resident who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, established Peri-Peri GUYS in 2020 with the goal of bringing one of his favorite hometown dishes to the US. The restaurant’s famous peri-peri sauce is made from African bird’s eye chili peppers which, while wildly popular across South Africa and Europe, are uncommon here in the states. 

In addition to his passion for peri-peri, Hafeez says giving back to his community is his top priority. Peri-Peri GUYS generously donated food to community groups during the peak of the pandemic. The restaurant also participated in Long Island’s first-ever Halal Restaurant Week. 

Senator Kevin Thomas said, “Peri-Peri GUYS is a unique and innovative local business that is dedicated to giving back. Per-Peri GUYS has truly made a difference in our Long Island community, and I was honored to present Hafeez with the Empire Award.”