Have you met Salima?

Salima is a bubbly, easy to talk to woman with unmatched determination and drive to succeed. She’s been a part of the brand since 2018, when she took over ownership of our Kennedy Commons, Scarborough Sunset Grill.

Salima, Franchise Owner at the Kennedy Commons, Scarborough Sunset Grill.

You might not guess this at first, however, Salima is a huge Star Wars fan (May the Fourth be with you); she even has the Millennium Falcon charm adorning her neck to prove it. It was a birthday gift from her kids, and she wears it with pride.

She’s a spunky woman who doesn’t shy away from hard work and does her best to courageously face life’s challenges head on.

“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it,” said Salima. “You can do it all.”

After about 15 years spent managing convenience stores and gas stations in Memphis, Tennessee, Salima and her husband decided to move to Toronto to start a new life with their growing family.

When they moved to the Durham region in 2012, they weren’t quite sure what path they wanted to take. By 2013, she had her third child, Aria, and was looking for an opportunity that would fit her lifestyle.

Her brother, Firoz, who operates our Rimrock, Toronto Sunset Grill, encouraged her to take a closer look at the brand and see if it might be a good fit for her. “I liked the hours at Sunset Grill, and how it was family-oriented,” said Salima.

When the opportunity came up to take over the Kennedy Commons location, she jumped on it. “Sunset was meant to be,” she said with a smile.

Salima’s children, Shaan, Shaaz and Aria.

Taking over an already established store presented a unique set of challenges for Salima, however, she rose to the occasion by providing the necessary structure and leadership that is essential to any restaurant’s success. “You learn to wear different hats,” Salima explained. “Everyone requires a different approach to succeed.”

Originally from Hyderabad, India, a city known for its Biryani, Salima has always understood the value of fresh food and a well-cooked meal.

She’s carried those values with her at the restaurant and works hard to ensure every guest experience is a great one.

Outside of the restaurant, Salima is very involved in her community and is an active volunteer. She leaned on community while raising her two sons and daughter, and now wants to pass on those lessons to future generations.

“In order to have a successful life, you have to invest in your kids,” she said. Her oldest son, Shaan, is studying engineering at the University of Toronto, and her other son, Shaaz, is heading to University of Ottawa in the fall to study marketing and business.

Both help at the restaurant, and she couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished in their young lives.

“Having good kids, not just good kids, self-sufficient kids, being independent, being successful in whatever they’re doing, I think that is the best Mother’s Day gift you can have,” said Salima.

She couldn’t have done it without the support of her loving husband or help provided by her in-laws, who have also played a big role in her children’s upbringing. “I am very blessed,” Salima said.

One day she hopes to fulfil her dream of riding the Maharaja Express Train, travelling to Paris or visiting Disneyland with her kids. Until then, she’ll continue to work hard and lead by example.

“You want it, you go for it,” said Salima. “Don’t stress about the small things and be willing to compromise.”

The next time you’re in the area be sure to stop by our Kennedy Commons, Scarborough Sunset Grill and say hi to Salima and her amazing team!

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Salima is part of this year’s Mother’s Day profile series highlighting Breakfast Moms – the strong and talented women that make up the many faces of the Sunset Grill community.

STORE INFORMATION

Hwy 401 & Kennedy Rd.

(416) 321-1600

Monday to Friday 7 AM to 3:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday 7 AM to 4 PM