When Sana and I relocated to Vancouver from Mumbai, we were driven by aspirations for our children's education at UBC and a passion to make a mark in the local hospitality scene. Our vision for Grandmama's Cafe was birthed from a blend of our cherished memories of Mediterranean and Far East flavours and our family's deep roots in hospitality. This venture wasn't just a family affair, but an homage to tradition. Our children, Wahed and Ilham, became integral parts, with Wahed developing the business strategy and Ilham curating the cafe's ambiance.

‍

The turning point in our journey was the poignant loss of both our mothers within a short time span. This loss brought forward a depth of nostalgia, love, and memories of their grandmothers' warmth and culinary delights. The name "Grandmama’s Cafe" was thus a tribute to these incredible women who had significantly influenced our lives.

‍

Despite initial concerns that the name might resonate only with the older generation, the cafe saw an influx of patrons across all age groups, a testament to the universal appeal of grandmotherly warmth and care. Sana’s menu is a tapestry of global flavours: the Indian-rooted Butter Chicken, the Brazilian or German-inspired Chicken Stroganoff, and crowd favourites like waffles and samosas. Each dish, in essence, carries a piece of family history, reminiscent of meals prepared by our kids’ grandmothers.

‍

My business experience in Milan informed our choice of coffee, partnering with Umbria Coffee Roasters to bring the subtle sweetness of Italian roasts to their tables. And community stories, like that of MT's postcards filled with gratitude, echo the sentiment that Grandmama's Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it's a haven of memories, emotions, and connections. For our family, every day at the cafe is a journey down memory lane, a tribute to the grandmothers, and an embodiment of the love and care that only a family can provide.

‍