“It’s been a pleasure serving the people of our community. We grow each day with suggestions and advice from our customers. The support is overwhelming and people are very kind.”

 

1. What is your name and name of the business?

Harneet Brar + Gurpreet Brar –  House of Spice Restaurant

 

2. How long has your business been operating, and how long has it been operating in the Greater Summerside area?

Established 2022

 

3. What inspired you to start this business, and what made you choose your location?

We have been living in Summerside since 2018. My husband always wanted to have his own business. When I was about to finish my maternity, I was not ready to go back to 2 jobs and leave my kids. Therefore, seeking the opportunity we decided to open our restaurant. It was the best decision and we are so happy with the support we get from our customers. .

 

4. How has the local community responded to your business?

Its been a pleasure serving the people of our community. We grow each day with suggestions and advices from our customers. The support is overwhelming and people are very kind.

 

5.  What do you love most about being a business owner in the Greater Summerside area?

We love that we get to represent our culture and food.

 

6. Are there any specific challenges or advantages to running a business in the Greater Summerside area?

Population surely is a challenge. There is less customer base as compared to Charlottetown.

 

7. What are your plans for the future of your business in the Greater Summerside area?

We will be operating a food truck by next summer which will allow us to book live caterings and also represent us all over the island whenever and whenever possible. If people cannot get to us we will go to them.

 

8. Can you share a success story related to your business in the Greater Summerside area?

My husband and I came as international students in 2012 and 2014. Then we moved to PEI in 2018 for PR and made Summerside our permanent home. There have been times when we couldn’t afford food and slept hungry. When we decided to operate a restaurant we didn’t have any funding or much savings however we were lucky to get help from family and friends.
We now run a tiffin service from Monday to Friday which is a lunch service for Indian students and we deliver to Charlottetown, Summerside, Cornwall and Stratford. The food is cooked everyday and leftovers are not used next day. So we donate. I post online any day that we have any leftovers so anyone can take them. It feels good to help people when we can considering the time that we were also in a position of not being able to eat properly.  We consider this a success.

 

9. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business, and why should they choose the Greater Summerside area?

Summerside needs development and access to some more businesses as most of us would not like to go to Charlottetown for everything. There are surely challenges but it is worth trying. People are very supportive and Chamber is always there whenever needed for anything.

 

10. Describe the work culture within your company.

House of Spice is a family run business. First year is usually tough for every business so our families helped us a lot. Its been a year now and as we are settling, now we are hiring outside family so that our families can enjoy more time with each other. My husband and I have been in same position as the servers and kitchen workers and therefore we consider them family too. There are never fights or arguments at all. Its a happy place for everyone.

 

Check out House of Spice at:

311 Market Street, Summerside, PE, Canada, Prince Edward Island

(902) 436-1234

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