Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Bahrain but raised in Rogers Park. I live in Edgewater now.

What were the circumstances that caused your family to immigrate to the United States?
Educational Opportunities

What kind of work did your Dad do in Bahrain and/or in the US?
My dad owned a business in Bahrain. In the US, he drove a cab for more than 15 years.

Why is pool so cool to you?
I’ve been playing since I was twelve. Fifteen years now. I used to play pool with my dad (he passed away in 1999) at a place called Grizzly"s., which was in the same location as Pressure Billiards is today. Pool is a pleasure for me and a good way to vent frustrations. I want pool to be fun and less intimidating for everybody. Pool doesn’t have to mean gambling and fighting. Pool can be classy.

Who are your customers?
Are customers are as diverse as our neighborhood. Diversity is our biggest strength. We get students from Loyola, folks from Clark St. and Devon. We opened a year ago and have become active in the neighborhood hosting community and charitable events. We hosted a Katrina Relief Benefit, hold a block club here and will be a polling place again this election. All are welcome.

Do you have a day job?
I work downtown for a law firm as a Network Engineer.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I love pool and people. My brother Ayaz owns his own business. He has been a mentor to me. I want to spend my life doing Humanitarian Philanthropy, making the world a better place. Owning my own business allows me to have a more flexible schedule to do this work.

Which five people living or dead would you invite to a dinner party?
Ayaz, James, Borat, Bill Clinton, and Bill Maher.

In your twenty-seven years what have you learned about life?
Life can be relentless. I lost both of my parents. You can choose to stumble or keep going on. I choose to keep going on.