Ali Imran and Mostafa Rahman

If you know where the New Canadians Centre is, then you are a two-minute walk away from Ali and Mostafa’s Village of Thai. This popular restaurant is the latest addition to a chain of restaurants owned and operated by Ali and Mostafa’s family.

The family moved to Canada in the late ‘90s from Bangladesh. They first moved to Toronto, where they had the support of other family members. When the opportunity to purchase a restaurant in Peterborough presented itself, the Rahman brothers did not hesitate.

"Twelve years ago, Peterborough was a relatively quiet city. But in recent years, it has really started to grow, with new people coming here and stimulating new business. A growing population means more jobs", said co-owner Mostafa. Ali shared his cousin’s sentiments: "I am really happy to be in Peterborough. It is a nice place to raise your family mostly because people are very friendly. We don’t have the crime rate of the bigger cities. This makes it very easy to feel like this is my city."

Mostafa and Ali struggled with the language, and adjusting to the culture and way of life here. They are grateful to have a supportive family and community who helped them overcome the challenges. Both agree that Peterborough is the ideal place to start a business: "There are lots of opportunities to create a good life here. If you have good intentions and are willing to work hard, this community is wide open to your ideas", said Mostafa.

The formula to their success is simple, but it takes a certain degree of expertise to maintain their level of excellence. They offer their customers the option to dine-in or have the food delivered to their homes. The beautifully presented dishes are tasty, affordable, and come in generous portions. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere is complemented by friendly and fast service. Good location is also an important factor. The corner of George Street and Sherbrooke Street gives Village of Thai visibility and easy access.

Ali and Mostafa had the following advice for newcomers to Peterborough:

• Make sure you know the business you’re going into.
• Either get some schooling at Trent or Fleming, or work for someone who knows the business well.
• Talk to others who are doing something similar.
• Peterborough is a smaller city, which means word of mouth travels fast. So if you are good at what you do, people find out relatively quickly.
• Believe in yourself, and know that starting your own business is the best thing you can do. If you are serious and willing to work hard, anyone can succeed in this country.

Today, they enjoy a quiet life in Peterborough and live each day with gratitude. "All of our family is here, and everyone is doing something with their lives. There is a future here for all of us. We are happy with what we have worked for. Thanks to God, life is good."