Hate In Cornwall pt. 6

After a recent upsetting encounter at his restaurant, the owner, who shall remain unnamed for obvious reasons, decided it was time to speak up about the racism his family faces. Last week, a man came in to eat, but after finishing his meal, refused to pay, claiming the food was “disgusting.” When the owner offered to replace the dish or adjust the bill, the customer lashed out, telling him to “go back to his country.” The incident, witnessed by his children, left the family feeling shaken and humiliated. Now, the owner wants to raise awareness and encourage the community to embrace diversity. His answers have been edited for clarity.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Can you share a bit about what inspired you to open your restaurant here in Cornwall and what challenges you’ve faced as a newcomer?

My family and I moved here a few years ago with the hope of bringing a bit of our culture to Cornwall through food. I grew up cooking with my family, and I wanted to share those flavors with this community—it’s like inviting people to experience a piece of home with us. But it hasn’t always been easy. As soon as we opened, we had customers who would turn their noses up and make comments about “foreign food” or ask if we had anything more “Canadian.” That hurt, especially because we put so much love and work into every dish. It’s as if some people think our food and our presence don’t belong here.

I can only imagine how painful that must be. Have there been any particular incidents that have made these challenges feel even more personal for you?

Yes, there have been a few that really stand out. For example, one time a customer made a loud comment that we should really try to adapt the food to Canadians. It left me wondering why he came to our restaurant in the first place. Another time, we had someone come in, see our menu, and say, “do you have anything Canadian on the menu?” It’s hard to hear those things, especially when we’re just trying to make an honest living and share our culture. What’s worse is when my kids hear this kind of talk. They’re young, and they’re proud of who they are and where they come from, but now they worry about fitting in. They even told me once, “Maybe we should make ‘normal’ food, Dad.”

It’s heartbreaking to hear how these comments affect your family. How have you and your family managed to cope with these kinds of reactions?

It hasn’t been easy, but we lean on each other for support. My wife and I try to remind our kids that our culture and our food are beautiful, even if some people don’t understand it. We tell them that it’s okay to be different, and that there are people who appreciate what we bring to the community. Luckily, we’ve found a wonderful group of supportive locals who come in regularly and always have kind things to say. They’ve even helped to promote us by telling friends or leaving positive reviews. Their support helps us remember why we’re doing this in the first place and keeps us grounded when the negativity gets overwhelming.

That’s wonderful to hear that you have supportive people around you. Do you think these positive connections in the community are helping to make Cornwall more inclusive for newcomers like you?

Yes, I really believe that. Those who support us don’t just come to enjoy a meal—they understand that our restaurant is part of something bigger. We’ve seen them bring their kids, introduce them to our food, and explain the importance of embracing different cultures. They’re not just our customers; they’re our allies, and I think they’re helping Cornwall grow as a community. Every time a local person brings someone new or hosts a gathering here, it feels like we’re taking small steps forward in creating a space that welcomes everyone.

If there was one message you could share with people in Cornwall about the value of supporting immigrant-owned businesses, what would it be?

I would say that supporting immigrant-owned businesses is about more than just food or products—it’s about building connections. When you come in and try something new, you’re not just supporting our family; you’re embracing diversity and opening up to new perspectives. Every dish we serve, every item on the menu, has a story behind it. And we want to share those stories with people here, to show that we’re not that different. We all want the same things: to feel at home, to build a future for our kids, and to be part of something positive.