Running a restaurant is no easy task, but for Narinder Sandhu, it’s a labor of love rooted in family, community, and a commitment to serving healthy, delicious food. As a franchise partner at Rachel’s Kitchen Hualapai location in Nevada, Narinder and her family have spent nearly a decade building strong relationships with their customers and offering a place where everyone feels welcome.
In this interview, Narinder shares her inspiring journey—how she transitioned from being an elementary school teacher to running a successful restaurant franchise alongside her husband and three boys, all while fostering a deep connection with the local community.
Finding Inspiration and Building a Dream
For Narinder, the dream of owning a restaurant started early in life. “When I was 13, I had my first job working in a restaurant run by a woman named Monica. She was so full of energy and passion for everything she did, and that really stuck with me,” Narinder reminisces. “I always wanted to own my own restaurant, and Monica inspired that dream.”
After 15 years as an elementary school teacher, Narinder and her family made the decision to move to Las Vegas and pursue that dream. It wasn’t long before they discovered Rachel’s Kitchen—a brand that instantly resonated with her. “From the first time I walked into Rachel’s, I felt the same positive vibe I experienced in Monica’s diner. The staff were genuinely happy to be there, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the food was not only delicious but of such high quality,” she recalls.
That initial visit made a lasting impression. When Narinder learned that Rachel’s Kitchen was founded by a successful woman entrepreneur, it sealed the deal. “Knowing that the brand was built by a woman who shared my values of quality, service, and community made me feel like this was the right place for me.”
Family at the Heart of the Business
Rachel’s Kitchen at the Hualapai location is truly a family affair. Narinder and her husband Manny manage the day-to-day operations, with Narinder focusing on front-of-house management and customer relations, while Manny handles the back-of-house operations and oversees the catering services. Their three boys are also integral to the business, working alongside them and helping to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“I love getting to know our customers personally,” Narinder shares. “Some of our regulars come in daily, and we know them by name—and even by their order. It’s so rewarding to see a customer walk through the door, and their favorite dish is already being prepared.”
Over the years, Narinder and her family have built strong connections with their customers. Many of the children who once visited the restaurant with their families now come in as young adults, with some even applying to work at Rachel’s Kitchen. “It’s so heartwarming to see those same kids grow up, and to know that our restaurant has been a meaningful part of their lives,” she says.
Serving the Community in More Ways Than One
Narinder and Manny’s dedication to customer service extends beyond their restaurant’s doors. Catering is a major component of their business, and Manny plays a vital role in managing this aspect. “We work with a lot of pharmaceutical reps who need to provide breakfast, lunch, or dinner for medical and dental offices,” Narinder explains. “Manny handles all the catering orders, and he’s always on top of things, even when they call at the last minute. He makes it easy for them to get the food they need, and they’re so grateful for that.”
This commitment to making customers’ lives easier is something that Narinder takes great pride in. “Being able to provide healthy food for busy families, professionals, and businesses is what brings me the most joy. When life gets hectic with school, work, and activities, I feel good knowing that Rachel’s Kitchen is here to help our community stay nourished and cared for.”
Challenges and Rewards of Running a Family-Owned Business
Owning a restaurant is no small feat, and Narinder is the first to admit that it requires a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work. “Running a restaurant, especially as a family, requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of effort,” she says. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Having her family involved in the business has brought many rewards, including consistency in both the food and the service. “My boys were initially hesitant to work in the restaurant, but over time, they’ve come to love it,” Narinder shares. “Now, with all of us here on a daily basis, we’re able to ensure that everything from the quality of our food to the warmth of our service remains consistent.”
This hands-on approach has also helped shape the overall culture of the restaurant, making it a place where customers feel like part of the family. “Our customers appreciate seeing familiar faces when they visit, and that consistency enhances their experience,” Narinder adds.
Why Rachel’s Kitchen?
When asked what inspired her to choose Rachel’s Kitchen as the business she wanted to invest in, Narinder’s answer is simple: it was all about the feeling. “From the moment I stepped into Rachel’s, I could tell that it was special. The staff were welcoming, the food was delicious, and the quality was impeccable. It just felt right,” she explains. “And knowing that the company was founded by a woman who built this incredible brand only solidified my decision.”
For Narinder, Rachel’s Kitchen has been more than just a business—it’s been a rewarding journey filled with meaningful connections, both with her customers and with her family. “Working with Rachel’s Kitchen as a franchisee has been an amazing experience. The support from head office has been there from day one, and we’ve never felt alone in this journey. Any time we had questions or needed help, they were right there by our side.”
Looking to the Future
As Narinder and her family celebrate a decade of running Rachel’s Kitchen, their passion for the business and their community remains as strong as ever. “I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do what I love every day, alongside the people I love, while serving the community that has supported us so much,” Narinder reflects.
Looking ahead, she is excited to continue growing the business and deepening the relationships with the customers who have become like family. With her family by her side and the support of Rachel’s Kitchen, Narinder’s journey as a franchisee is far from over—it’s only just beginning.
