Chicago, IL:
On the evening of April 11, 2025, Kohinoor Banquets at 4400 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL, opened its doors with a spectacular grand opening bash that lit up the community. The event, starting at 7:30 PM, was a vibrant celebration of vision, perseverance, and unity, drawing a diverse crowd of local leaders, residents, and dignitaries. The banquet hall, a dream realized by owner Abdul Aziz, was hailed as a much-needed venue for Skokie and its neighbouring suburbs, promising to host everything from weddings to milestone celebrations. The night was marked by electrifying music, a sumptuous dinner, and stirring speeches from prominent figures who underscored the venue’s significance to the region’s cultural and social fabric.

(Abdul Aziz, Skokie’s newly elected Mayor Ann Tennes, Iftekhar Shareef and Ashfaq Sharief with general Audience)

The event was expertly hosted by Ashfaq Sharief, who warmly welcomed attendees and shared the journey behind Kohinoor Banquets. He recounted how Abdul Aziz’s vision transformed the second floor of a former corporate office into an elegant, modern space. Shoib Aftab is a General contractor of Kohinoor Banquets. “It was a long journey,” Sharief noted, acknowledging the challenges of navigating Skokie’s regulations and the team’s dedication to creating a venue that could serve Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, and North Chicago. He emphasized the hall’s capacity to host up to 275 guests, making it ideal for intimate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations, all within a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.

(Ribbon cutting ceremony for Kohinoor Banquets)

Abdul Aziz, the driving force behind Kohinoor Banquets, was celebrated for his hands-on approach, meticulously overseeing every detail to ensure the venue’s excellence. Shareif praised Aziz’s commitment, stating, “He was involved in every small thing, making sure we give the best of the best, even though it’s a small place.” The audience applauded Aziz’s determination to fill a gap in the local market, where options like the aging Holiday Inn banquet hall had left room for innovation.

Among the distinguished speakers was Ann Tennes, Skokie’s newly elected mayor, who expressed her delight at the venue’s opening. “It’s such an honour to be here on the first night of this beautiful space,” Tennes said, joined by her husband, Howard. “Your hard work shows, and I’m grateful you chose Skokie and persevered to build this facility.” Her words resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the community’s pride in welcoming Kohinoor Banquets as a new landmark.

Iftekhar Shareef, the evening’s chief guest and a respected community leader, delivered a heartfelt address that highlighted the venue’s convenience and potential. “We used to drive 35 to 45 miles to book an event, but now it’s just five miles away,” Shareef remarked, noting its accessibility for nearby suburbs. He thanked outgoing Mayor George Van Dusen for his support and expressed confidence in Tennes’ leadership, humorously noting her “fast” approach, as her name suggests. Shareef also praised Aziz’s team, including his family and collaborators like general contractor Shueb Qureshi, architects, and management staff, for their tireless efforts. “This is a great achievement, a testament to family and friends’ support,” he added, already booking the hall for a June event and urging attendees to spread the word.

Qari Abdul Mannan, another prominent guest, brought a spiritual perspective, calling the opening “a blessing from Allah.” He described Kohinoor Banquets as not only beautiful but also a contributor to Skokie’s vibrancy. “This hall makes Skokie beautiful too,” Mannan said, extending a warm welcome to Mayor Tennes and pledging community support. He lauded Aziz as a “great man” and a helpful figure in society, predicting the venue’s success with divine blessings for Aziz’s family and the hall’s future.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori introduced late in the evening, added to the event’s warmth, praising Ashfaq Sharief’s community leadership and his brother Iftekhar’s legacy of interfaith harmony. “This banquet hall is a celebration of Skokie’s vibrancy, its people of different colours, creeds, and orientations,” they said, commending Tennes’ visionary leadership and pledging support for her tenure.

The evening wasn’t just about speeches. Guests enjoyed a bouquet presentation to honour dignitaries, a group photo to capture the milestone, and lively entertainment led by Seph, ensuring the night ended on a high note. Attendees also had a chance to engage with Mayor Tennes in a brief Q&A, fostering a sense of connection between the community and its leaders.

Kohinoor Banquets stands out for its innovative design, blending elegance with functionality. The venue’s strategic location and versatile space address a long-standing need in the area, where modern, mid-sized event spaces are scarce. Its opening signals a shift, offering a fresh alternative to outdated facilities and distant venues, with a focus on personalized service and community engagement. Aziz’s micromanagement, as Shareef described, ensured every detail from sound systems to decor—meets high standards, positioning Kohinoor as a go-to destination for celebrations.

The event also highlighted Skokie’s evolving demographic, with speakers noting the growing presence of diverse communities, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. Mannan’s mention of his Sufa Masjid and school underscored the area’s cultural momentum, while Shareef’s call for minority representation in local governance struck a chord, reflecting Kohinoor’s role as a unifying space.

“Kohinoor Banquets is not just a venue; it’s a sparkling pearl in Skokie’s crown, crafted with passion and purpose. Abdul Aziz has woven a tapestry of dreams into reality, creating a space where memories will be etched for generations. This grand opening wasn’t merely an event it was a symphony of community spirit, harmonizing diverse voices under one roof. From the elegance of the hall to the warmth of the speeches, Kohinoor radiates promise, inviting all to celebrate life’s moments in style. Asian Media USA is proud to spotlight this milestone, and I’m confident Kohinoor will shine as a beacon of unity and joy, drawing crowds not just from Skokie but far beyond.” Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA

Kohinoor Banquets is now open for bookings, ready to host events with its 275-guest capacity and tailored amenities. For inquiries, contact the management team at 4400 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076.

Kohinoor Banquets Unveils a New Era of Elegance with Grand Opening Celebration in Skokie