The best place to celebrate
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Punjabi Market situated along Main Street in Vancouver. May 31, 2020, has been declared as Punjabi Market Day. This is a significant milestone for BC’s South Asian community as it is the oldest Punjabi Market in North America. Tim Hortons owners, Ajit Singh Thandi and Harj Singh Thandi, are thrilled to celebrate and support this exciting milestone.
As long-time residents of the community, Ajit and Harj are a father-son duo with ties to the South Vancouver neighborhood for over 30 years; they continue to have deep rooted connections with many of their extended relatives, friends, and business colleagues in the area. Ajit immigrated to Canada with an electrical engineering degree and eventually joined the Tim Hortons franchise business in the early 1990s.
Last year in Spring, they officially opened their Tim Hortons restaurant, located right at the heart of the Punjabi Market - 49th and Main Street. “Congratulations to the Punjabi Market for their 50th Anniversary! I grew up just two blocks away and spent my entire childhood in the Punjabi Market neighborhood. So it has been humbling experience to bring the brand here,” says Harj.
The father and son recall having countless memorable experiences in the historic Punjabi Market whether it was just going for walks through the market, visiting the Punjabi restaurants and sweet shops, exploring the many fabric shops in the neighborhood or meeting with friends. The vibrant market provided a sense of community for everyone in the area and it was a pillar for all those who lived there. So when the opportunity arose to expand their Tim Hortons business in the Punjabi Market, it was a humbling and gratifying moment for Ajit and Harj. They are happy to get the opportunity to provide the market with a relaxed space where locals can gather and connect over a cup of coffee.
Today, their restaurant is an integral part of the Punjabi Market where conversations take form and connections are built. To make the 50th anniversary celebration, Tim Hortons offered several hours of free coffee and donuts for the guests on May 31. Celebrate the market’s anniversary with delicious baked goods and beverages from Canada’s favourite coffee house.
Photo: AMASTERMEDIA