ESTEVAN - A new restaurant in Estevan has proven to be popular with local residents since it opened in early September, which is great news for its owners.
Customers have been eager to stop by Prairie Donair and try the Greek dish, which has become popular throughout the country. But they’ll also find a lot more at the business.
Mani Sharma, who owns the Estevan franchise with Romil Patel, said they have been in Estevan for several years. They came to Ontario years ago to study. Patel moved to Saskatchewan in 2014, and Sharma came a year later.
Patel was living in Weyburn and Sharma resided in Estevan.
“We heard so much good about Saskatchewan. They have a lot of opportunity to grow,” Sharma told the Mercury.
Patel relocated from Weyburn to Estevan in 2016. Both have worked in several different sectors during their time in southeast Saskatchewan, including in restaurants.
“We have food experience. We know the basic stuff, what we need to do to keep people coming back,” said Sharma. “And we did all of the examinations for the food safety.”
This is the first time they have had a restaurant franchise, and they did a lot of homework before bringing Prairie Donair to Estevan.
When they were considering their options for a franchise, they knew they wanted to have something new for the community and something healthy.
“Then we did our homework,” said Sharma. “Then we found we can have a locally owned franchise … for Prairie Donair.
They hadn’t heard of the restaurant chain previously, and they weren’t familiar with donairs. But when they talked with franchisees and customers, they realized it would be a good fit for Estevan.
“It looks good. They have so much options. That’s why we brought Prairie Donair. It’s something different, something new, and it’s locally owned.”
Location is also important to them, and so they selected a vacant spot in one of the strip malls to the east of Kensington Avenue. They are close to the Estevan Comprehensive School and numerous businesses.
They have also shown a willingness to work long hours to keep customers happy. They are normally open late, but during the night of the parking lot party at the Black Grasshopper restaurant on Sept. 18, Prairie Donair remained open until 3 a.m.
Prairie Donair has several options that involve chicken, lamb and beef, with vegetables and cheese. They also have vegetarian options and a salad menu and side options.
“Chicken and steak have been marinated in store, and with our own secret recipe,” said Sharma.
Vegetables are cut in store and are fresh.
Breakfast options will be added in the future, and they look forward to selling smoothies.
“We’re focusing on a soft opening. We’re going to start slowly, and then we’re going to see how customers like things, what they like most.”
Customers have been pleased with their experience. People have been very patient during the busy times, especially during the first few days Prairie Donair was open, and they haven’t had any bad reviews. Sharma and Patel have been in the community for several years, and they have never seen that kind of patience.
If they have a steady customer, they always want to know where Prairie Donair can improve.
“We’re never shy to ask our customers, because this food is for customers, not for us. They love us a lot, and they’re patient with everything.”
Prairie Donair has eight employees, between full-time and part-time workers, and they’re looking forward to seeing customers come through the door.
