The restaurant prepares about 2,000 to-go meals per day total across delivery platforms and pickup, according to Aga’s CEO Shaukat “Sal” Maredia.
The Houston Chronicle reviewed the email Uber Eats sent to Aga’s leaders, which said, “In 2025, when comparing single-location restaurants on our platform, Aga’s had the largest volume on the platform.”
Business Insider first reported Aga’s No.1 ranking in a video this week. Maredia tells the Chronicle Aga’s has held the No. 1 spot for at least three years, which he learned from periodic meetings with Uber Eats. To-go orders make up 40% of Aga’s business.
“My personal No. 1 goal is to make our community better,” Maredia said. “We’re using this success to help the community. Community is everything to me. We do a lot of charity work; it feels great to be able to give back to the community.”
Aga’s takeout business really grew out of demand during the pandemic. Since then, food delivery drivers have waited outside the restaurant for deliveries to come through. Some have even told Maredia they only deliver for Aga’s because there are so many orders.
“As soon as an order is ready, they pick it up. Orders get home piping hot and people can enjoy it. That’s probably why Aga’s is the most successful when it comes to takeout,” Maredia said.
The BI video showed what it takes to run a restaurant that serves more than 4,000 people per day, including takeout orders. Those shocking numbers include nine chefs and 200 employees. Per month, the restaurant goes through 7,000 gallons of milk, 10,000 gallons of oil and 30,000 pounds of chicken.
“It’s not a restaurant; it’s a food factory,” Maredia said.
Maredia purchased Aga’s with his family members in 2010. It’s grown a strong following over the years, becoming a well-oiled machine, churning out fragrant biryanis, grill-kissed goat chops and fire-red chicken “lollipops.” It seats over 700 people, yet there are still constant lines at this bustling restaurant. In 2025, it was named the No. 1 restaurant in Houston by the Houston Chronicle.
Maredia wants to open at least five takeout locations in Houston before going to other markets in Texas and eventually nationally, including New York City.
“It’s not an easy thing to do because our food is not fast food; it’s gourmet. Everything is made fresh,” Maredia said. “We will never compromise on quality just to open new locations.”
