Have you met Hemant?

You might remember him as the “egg-flipping pro” from our 2018 Breakfast Dads profile series.

“The egg station is the first thing I start them on during training,” Hemant said with a laugh.

Since we first spoke with Hemant in 2018, he’s very much accomplished many of the goals he set out for himself – more specifically, growing with the brand. Hemant has risen to the occasion, rolled up his sleeves and has become a pillar of Sunset Grill through not only being a go-to training store, but also by bringing new franchisees into the brand through his consulting company, Royal West Hospitality.

“I brought so many friends and clients into this brand,” says Hemant. “Sunset Grill was a blessing for me, and now it has continued that way.”

Hemant, Franchise Owner at the Newmarket Sunset Grill.

It’s no surprise that the hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. And although Sunset Grill restaurants never fully closed its doors, it’s been a difficult road for franchise owners and staff alike.

“The restaurant business looks flashy, but it’s hard work, and it’s hard on your body,” explained Hemant. Before he considers any new owners, he brings them to his store and allows them to shadow for a few days to see if they can handle the heat in the kitchen, both literally and figuratively.

“People put a lot of trust in me,” said Hemant. That’s why it’s so important for him to take an honest approach to what he does. And it’s worked well for both him and the brand.

“Sunset Grill is not just a business, it is more of a lifestyle,” Hemant said. “It allows you to balance your personal and professional life.”

With the restaurant closed by 4 p.m., Hemant and other owners can be home with their families in the evenings, during those pivotal moments in their children’s lives.

He attributes much of his success to not only the lessons his father taught him about living a family-first, balanced lifestyle when he was young, but also his wife, who he describes as his anchor.

“I would like to give credit to my wife, she’s been an anchor in everything,” explained Hemant. “She is the one I can rely on, anytime I have anything to discuss.”

It’s clear his own two sons, Arjun, 14, and Angad, 10, are following in their footsteps as well and living out that lifestyle when it comes to balancing studies and extra-curriculars.

Hemant (left), his wife and two sons.

“I tell my wife sometimes, it’s in the blood,” he laughed. “As a father, it feels good to see your kids doing well.”

His sons are still into cricket and other sports, and he hopes to take his family to the Cricket World Cup in Australia later this year.

They just got back from a trip to India last month and Hemant described it as one of the best trips his family has ever taken together as it allowed them to bond deeper than ever before.

For Hemant, it’s all about building those bonds and being an approachable person. “Any relation you have, clients, guests, family, you need to be approachable,” he said.

With Father’s Day on the horizon, Hemant reflected on what success really meant to him, and maintained that your growth as a father, or more importantly, as an individual, is about creating an environment of love and respect.

“Growth is not something that can be measured with your material wealth,” quipped Hemant. “Growth is something… if you’re excelling in your relations, if your family is happy, you have love, respect, trust in your family, same with your staff and guests, that’s growth.”

“Creating a memory is something that creates happiness,” Hemant continued. “No matter how much money you earn, you’ll still be number two, there will always be someone ahead of you.”

“Enjoy the journey. There’s no fun in the destination, just enjoy the journey.”

The next time you’re in Newmarket, be sure to stop by Sunset Grill and say hi to Hemant and his wonderful team!

Go-To Breakfast: Three Eggs (Scrambled) with Sausage & Brown Toast

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Hemant is the first in this year’s Father’s Day profile series highlighting Breakfast Dads – the hard-working, dedicated dads that make up the many faces of the Sunset Grill community.

STORE INFORMATION

Leslie St. & Gorham St.

(905) 853-0557

Open Daily 7 AM to 3 PM