Farhad and Gianna Rahmani, who met working as real estate agents, always knew they wanted to work with family. Farhad loved food and even remembers eating a tray packed full of McDonald’s items upon his arrival in America. He knew that he got joy out of cooking, so what better than to cook for others alongside his family?
Farhad felt that he benefited greatly from learning to cook from his mother. “That helped me a lot,” he said, “I was able to feed myself.” He traveled a long journey from Iran to America for religious asylum and was grateful he could take care of himself in an unfamiliar country.
The Rahmanis have lived all around the United States, but knew a place with palm trees was a place for them. They took up residence in Lakeland and noticed a lack of Persian and Mediterranean food options. “We heard that we need to start that option in Polk County,” Farhad recounted.
The family’s food truck, Feasts of Persia, located at Union Hall, provides a wide range of options fusing American and Persian food. “It offers something for everyone,” Gianna said of their menu options. The family has even begun working with nutrition and fitness experts to supply dishes for a healthy diet. “This is an option where they can have that Mediterranean healthy lifestyle,” said Gianna. Feasts of Persia even offers a “Traditional Thursday” where they serve dishes for those who prefer Persian food the traditional way.
The Rahmanis are happy that they can deliver these kinds of options to Polk County. “They’re so used to the mindset of ‘Orlando, Tampa’ for different or unique food,” Gianna said, “They’re starting to get that they don’t have to do that anymore. We’re right here.” Feasts of Persia is a great way to enjoy Persian meals without driving an hour through traffic. Not only are the Rahamanis providing for the community, but the community is providing for them. “You can see from our recent ribbon-cutting how the community just showed up,” Gianna said. Farhad explains having made lots of friends within the community. “The support’s been great,” he said.
Along with the backing of their community, the Rahmanis feel lucky to have the support of their family. Gianna said, “It definitely makes all the challenges that we do have to face as a small business a lot more worth it.” While they enjoy cooking, Farhad and Gianna are also grateful for the time they get to spend alongside their sons Dominik and Nikolas. “There’s nothing that makes us happier than to be able to hang out with him all the time,” said Gianna about running a business with Dominik.
Dominik Rahmani worked his first job at LEGOLAND, making funnel cakes. “It genuinely was fun working at the funnel cake station,” he said. Growing up with parents who instilled an ambitious mindset, Dominik knew funnel cakes were the perfect foundation for his first business, Funnel Feasts. Though he hadn’t expected to become a part of the food business, he certainly has enjoyed his experience. Recently, Dominik began funnel cake catering with a self-serve topping bar. “I wanted to cater a dessert that would be a lot more diverse and is something that anyone could customize,” he said. Dominik explained that with the addition of a topping bar, “they can put whatever toppings they want and then go off and have fun at the party.” Similar to Farhad and Gianna, Dominik is glad to be able to spend some quality time with his parents and his brother. As children, Nikolas and Dominik would join their father while Farhad toured properties and watched as he interacted with clients. The family has truly been working together long before Feasts of Persia.
The outdoor setting of Feasts of Persia is reminiscent of a desert oasis. There is no need to stress about the Florida heat under the shady picnic tables. On hotter days, there are even cool misting fans. Whether one is in the mood for a kabob or a burger, Feasts of Persia will have you covered. Every bite of their Chicken Kabob sandwich is bursting with flavor, and the FOP Burger has all the American flavors of a Fourth of July party with a hint of those Persian roots. Try not to get too full yet because Dominik’s funnel cakes will melt in one’s mouth. Not only is the presentation of the Cheesecake Crunch Funnel Cake mouth-watering, but the sweetness of every bite is intoxicating. Dominik also sells smaller portions of his funnel cakes for those who might not be able to finish a whole one on their own.
The Rahmani family delivers great food as well as the heartwarming example of a wholesome family. A family who laugh, smile, and do great business together. Gianna Rahmani smiled and said, “Friends are family and family are the best of friends.”
Feasts of Persia
1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 272-9330
FB: Feasts of Persia
IG @feastsofpersia
