Breakfast Dads – Hemant
Have you met Hemant?
Hemant is the egg-flipping pro who runs our flagship Newmarket Sunset Grill.
“Egg-flipping pro…?” you ask? Coincidentally, one of Hemant’s first jobs’ in Canada was as a breakfast cook at a hotel. It was there he learned the art of flipping eggs with precision (it’s harder than you may think!).
Hemant came to Canada in 2000 as a foreign student studying hospitality. He landed a job with a major hotel chain, and on his first day of work he was told by the chef he’d be working the egg station. “I was so nervous at first, there was a big lineup, and everyone wanted their eggs prepared differently,” he shares. As time went on, he got better, refined his skills, and found his calling.
Little did he know that a decade and a half later he’d end up owning his own breakfast restaurant. “During my training [with Sunset Grill], they were surprised a new franchisee could flip eggs,” he laughs. “It’s one of my assets. That experience helped me a lot at Sunset Grill.”
Hemant started out at our Guelph location, and has since moved on to the Airport Rd. and Bovaird Dr., Brampton Sunset Grill. He’s only been a part of the Sunset Grill family for about a year and a half, however, it was a natural fit for him.
“I am with the right brand, that’s the most important thing,” he says. “Sunset Grill is a blessing to me. For me, it’s a lifestyle, not a ‘business-business’,” says Hemant.
“I’m a very proud owner and I look forward to growing with the company.”
Hemant is a family-oriented kind of guy. He has a close bond with not only his own children, but also his parents, especially his father.
“My dad tells me, focus on your family, this is your greatest asset,” says Hemant. “My dad taught me to take things as they come. There are ups and downs, but you have to keep your head up. Money is something important, but it’s not everything.”
“The true asset is your family,” Hemant says.
“I try to be a good father to my kids. I would love to hear from my kids one day that they feel the same about me as I do my dad.”
Hemant has two sons, Arjun, 10, and Angad, 6. He’s thankful that he has a happy, healthy family.
Hemant recalls the moment he became a proud dad. “It was a very scary moment at first,” he tells. There were complications during the delivery and his wife had to have an emergency C-section as the umbilical cord was wrapped around little Arjun’s neck.
“About half an hour after my wife went into surgery, I finally heard it, the crying noise,” he says humbly. “When they handed him over to me for the first time…I can’t even explain how I felt.” Hemant was overjoyed.
To keep that special bond strong, Hemant tries to plan a couple of family vacations every year. His kids have their hearts set on Disney and an Alaskan tour, however, they also have a family trip to India in the works to celebrate Hemant’s niece’s wedding later this year.
During his downtime, Hemant loves to play cricket. “When I was growing up, that was the only sport I played,” he says. It’s a love that he shares with his two sons. His kids play at the Ontario Cricket Academy, and, as Hemant describes, they’re quite talented. He hopes they continue with the sport.
At the end of the day, Hemant believes the key to a successful life is balance. “As long as you can balance out everything, I think you will enjoy life,” he says. “Give yourself time for family. Travel as much as you can. The memories you create, you’ll carry with you. Invest in your family and create as many memories as you can.”
“Balance out your work and your personal life, and you can’t go wrong.”
The next time you stop by for breakfast or lunch at our Newmarket Sunset Grill, be sure to say hi to Hemant!
STORE INFORMATION
Leslie St. & Gorham St.
17205 Leslie St.,
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 8E4
Open Daily 7 AM to 3 PM
