My name is Wael Jomaah, and I am the founder of Chilliwack Kabab. I want to share with you my story and how I ended up in beautiful Chilliwack, Canada.
I was born and raised in Syria, and my life was peaceful and fulfilling. I had a small retail business in the local markets, and I was blessed with a beautiful family: my wife and four children.
But everything changed when the war in Syria started in 2011. The violence and destruction were all around us, and we knew that we had to flee for our lives. One day, a missile hit our house, destroying part of it and leaving us with no choice but to leave.
We ended up in Jordan, where we struggled to make ends meet and find a dignified life. We were grateful for the safety and security that Jordan offered us, but we still longed for a permanent solution to our situation.
Thankfully, the Canadian government intervened and offered to resettle us in Canada. After a few months of paperwork and waiting, we finally made it to Montreal, and then to Vancouver.
Once in Vancouver, I was determined to start over and build a new life for myself and my family. I noticed a lack of authentic Syrian and Middle Eastern cuisine in the area, and I decided to open my own restaurant, Chilliwack Kabab.
However, even though I was passionate about my business, I still struggled to make ends meet in Chilliwack. That's when the Broadway Church of Chilliwack came into my life. They reached out to me and offered to help me start my restaurant. With their help, I was able to secure a loan to get started, and I also received valuable advice and support from the church members. They believed in me and my vision, and they wanted to support me in any way they could.
With the support of the church and the community, Chilliwack Kabab was able to thrive and grow. People came from all over the area to try my food, and they left rave reviews and spread the word to their friends and family.
I poured my heart and soul into the restaurant, and I am proud to say that it has become a beloved fixture in the community. I serve authentic Syrian and Middle Eastern dishes, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked with love and care.
My hope is to give back to Canada and the community that has given me so much. I am grateful for the opportunity to start over in this beautiful country, and I am honored to be able to share my culture and cuisine with others.
Looking back on my journey, I am amazed at how far I have come. I never thought I would end up in Canada, let alone running a successful restaurant. But I am grateful for the opportunity and determined to make the most of it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope to see you soon at Chilliwack Kabab.