In 2016 Sarabjit Kahlon left his job as a chef at UNBC in Prince George, British Columbia and struck out on his own. With his wife Simran they moved to the community of Vanderhoof and opened the Tasty Tandoori restaurant in the Vanderhoof Inn hotel. The couple and their East Indian cuisine were very well received by the community and Sarab, as he is known, began looking for a more permanent location. He found the one he wanted right on the main drag of Vanderhoof, Burrard Avenue, and began work on a vision of his own.
It was then he approached Community Futures Stuart Nechako about assisting with the creation of the new location. “Community Futures helped us with our loan to acquire and renovate the new location. They helped us with contacts and advise and very excellent to work with through the challenges.” Sarabjit said. |
One of the “challenges” Sarabjit was referring to was the fact that the newest member of the Kahlon family arrived prematurely. Gurman had a hard start and it delayed mom and dad’s new restaurant opening for 10 months. With back and forth trips to BC Children’s Hospital then back to St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof Tasty Tandoori’s scheduled December 2018 grand opening did not take place until September 2019. “Everyone, the hospitals and the community have been so supportive.” Said Simran.
The Kahlon’s brought their own recipes and source their food locally. “We have very wonderful lamb and other local foods here and that helps us create our fine East Indian cuisine.” says Sarab. The community turned out in full force at the grand opening of the new location and the family turned all the profits from the event over to the BC Children’s Hospital.
If you are in the mood for flavorsome food, a very cool atmosphere and genuine hospitality be sure to stop at the Tasty Tandoori in Vanderhoof. Just about as good as a trip to India.
Watch Tasty Tandoori's Success Story video below