5 minute read
Five Rivers Meat Company
Next Article
In these crazy times, we need more good news the mainstream. Indy says, “Brits love it, it’s stories, and this is one of them.
This is the story of AJ Sandhu and Indy Dhadda, friends and business partners whose combined energy and enthusiasm could launch a rocket into space. In June they came up with a business plan to form Five Rivers Meat Company, Steveston’s newest butcher shop with an exciting twist.
It all began with a conversation about meat. They originally connected through their love of food and common British interests. Both men are of Indian descent and were finding it difficult to source quality marinated meats that met their foodie standards and did not require a drive to Surrey.
Indian food has always been popular in England, but through the years it has crossed over into the mainstream. Indy says, "Brits love it, it's huge. They have taken it to such a high level and have upped the game."
When Indy arrived in Canada he looked for the same calibre of Indian butcher shop but could not find it, so he and AJ decided to bring a little of it here.
Indy was born in the United Kingdom. Four years ago he got married and moved to Richmond.
AJ was also born in the U.K. but has lived the majority of his life in Richmond; he and his family have close ties within the community. His three sons were involved in minor sports in Richmond and AJ managed sports teams locally. The Sandhu family lives near Steveston and has always had aspirations of opening a business in the village.
One thing led to another with our love of food,” Indy says.
Although the partners have full-time careers, they decided to go into overdrive and launch Five Rivers Meat Company.
Their aim is to pay careful attention to traditions while embracing all things local. They are eager to introduce their interpretation of the classic Indian meat shop to a wider audience - the perfect east ‘meats’ west.
Indy’s wife introduced him to Steveston, and he was instantly captivated. When he and AJ stumbled upon a storefront for lease on No. 1 Road it drove their decision to launch their business.
They knew Steveston was the perfect community for Five Rivers Meat Company. Indy explains, “Quality food is important to us. Richmond needs a butcher like this.”
AJ and Indy have dreams of eventually opening other locations. Steveston will be their flagship store and base. Down the line, they intend to sell spices, marinades, and condiments. As well, they plan to sell apparel such as butcher blocks, aprons, and totes.
The business name celebrates the Punjab, which means Five (Punj) Rivers (ab).
The menu includes chicken, lamb, goat, seafood, Maui ribs as well as halal and vegan celebrates the Punjab, options.
Paralleling the businesses’ name, the shop will offer five signature marinades, inspired and named after the rivers that flow through the northern region of India. Indy describes the area as “the breadbasket of India that is known for its flavours and food.”
This is very much a family run business. AJ’s brother, Mak, was actively involved in the renovations to transform the space. He will work in the shop and be the marinade specialist.
It’s been a labour of love for the industrious partners.
AJ’s wife, Raman, comes from a professional accounting background and is assisting with the the industrious partners. business behind the scenes.
AJ’s mother, Surinder, developed the secret family recipes. Indy says, “She is a classic cook. We have learned a lot from her.”
The menu includes chicken, lamb, goat seafood, Maui ribs as well as halal vegan options.
Five Rivers’ perfectly marinated meats are flavourful and complex with fragrant aromas and colours. Marinating overnight helps develop flavours, and rest assured, different heat levels will be offered to accommodate all palates. Spices will also be blended on site.
They are building on the barbecue culture as so many West Coasters love grilling year-round. Simply purchase your meat and take it home to put on the bbq; you don’t have to spend time marinating it yourself. In the future, they also hope to offer online delivery within Richmond.
It's been a labour of love for the industrious partners.
Indy says, “We have very visual ideas that we are very clear about. We are building a brand.”
The space has been designed with a craft brewery look that suits Steveston to a tee. They loaded up and transported reclaimed wood from Abbotsford to become a feature wall with a map of the five rivers and another wall features the shop’s logo. Industrial pendant lighting complements the space along with brick accent walls, black ceilings with open venting, and an Italian tile floor that looks like wood planks.
Indy remarks, “Three months ago we went from a list of 10 big things to do. Now we have 100 little things to do. It has taken on a life of its own!”
There has been genuine excitement about the opening of this new Steveston shop.
“By executing this well, things will go well for us. There has been amazing feedback from people walking by,” Indy. As well, the buzz on social media has been very supportive.
The partners are thrilled to be in Steveston. Indy comments, “We want to fit in with the businesses that are already here and we would like to form partnerships when possible.” They believe in supporting the local economy and intend to source many of their products from Lower Mainland suppliers.
Their goal is to open for business in early October. It won’t be long before the aromatic wafts of meat grilling on barbecues will be drifting through the air. This will be a flavourful fall ahead!
Five Rivers Meat Company, 150-12420 No 1 Road, Richmond, BC V7E 6N2. Telephone 604-574-8361
www.fiveriversmeats.com
