In this special edition of I AM ORS, we are highlighting two NIH concession store tenets from the Maryland Business Enterprise Program for the Blind (BEP). The BEP is authorized by the federally mandated Randolph-Sheppard Act that provides persons who are legally blind with the training, licensing and oversight to own retail concession, food service and vending operations in federal and state of Maryland facilities. Some owners also work as operators within their facilities.​​

Rashid Reyazuddin has been the owner/operator of the concession store in Building 35A since January 2014. 

Born in New Delhi, India, Rashid brings 15 years of retail experience to the U.S.

Prior to Building 35A, Rashid operated other NIH concessions at Building 45 (2006-2011) and NSC 6001 Executive Boulevard (2013).

Rashid's focus on customer service and product selection has been the foundation of his business philosophy and is a direct correlation to his business success and reputation of satisfied customers.

Rashid is a dedicated husband and proud father of three children. 

Abdelyllah (Abdel) Elfernani, has been the Building 12B Cafeteria Executive Chef and Manager for the BEP owner Charles Wynn since February 2017. 

Bringing over a decade of experience to the position, his mantra has been to serve NIH staff and visitors quality meals at reasonable prices. His personable demeanor coupled with his attention to detail resonates throughout the cafeteria, ensuring customers feel welcomed and valued.

Despite the tremendous HVAC challenges due to an aging facility that  Abdel and his team have endured, they have done a phenomenal job keeping those struggles behind the scenes and not allowing them to have a negative impact on the quality of their product or hospitality towards their customers.

Originally from Morocco, Abdel is a devoted husband and proud father of three. 

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