Ranjit and Balbir Dhanju, owners of India Garden, are a dynamic husband and wife duo who have opened several successful restaurants – including Potluck Pizza and Curry and Bombay Palace – before they opened India Garden in 2000. Married since 1979, the couple share an adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic that has led to their many business successes.
Born and raised in India, Ranjit received his degree in agriculture and poultry farming, while Balbir received her degrees in the sciences and arts. When they first moved to Edmonton, Ranjit initially worked as a cab and truck driver, while Balbir took extra business courses and worked as a bank teller. With a deep interest but no prior experience in the restaurant business, the couple decided to take a risk and open their first Indian restaurant.
“My parents are avid travellers and love eating out a lot,” says Ashu Dhanju, their daughter. “It’s where their passion for food came from. As kids, a big part of our family time was going out together to eat at different restaurants in the city.”
