A Recipe for Success, A Q&A with Ranu’s Kitchen Owner, Yadwinder Singh
TERRACE, B.C. – As Ranu’s Kitchen celebrates the grand opening of its second location in Kitimat, its owner, Yadwinder Singh, is reflecting on a remarkable journey. After more than a decade in the Skeena Region, his journey from newcomer to respected chef and business owner stands as an inspiring example of perseverance and community spirit. We sat down with Yadwinder to discuss his passion, the challenges he’s overcome, and his vision for the future of Ranu’s Kitchen.
Skeena News: You’ve lived in Terrace for 12 years. Can you share what brought you here and how your journey in the restaurant industry began?
Yadwinder Singh: I came to Terrace in 2013 from Toronto after completing my Culinary Arts program at Centennial College. My professional journey here began with Don Diego’s restaurant in Terrace, and over the years, I worked with several other establishments providing specialized catering services across the region. Eventually, I joined Ranu’s team as a cook and, with the support of my partners—who I now consider family—became a partner in the business.
Skeena News: What inspired you to start Ranu’s Kitchen after years of working in the food business?
Yadwinder Singh: I come from Punjab, India, where food is an integral part of our culture. Feeding others is a value deeply rooted in our way of life. My passion for cooking led me to culinary school and into the restaurant industry. Ranu’s Kitchen was a dream realized—a place to share the flavours and warmth of our culture through food.
Skeena News: What were the biggest challenges you faced in your early days—and what kept you going?
Yadwinder Singh: Since I chose this path out of love and passion, I’ve enjoyed the journey thoroughly. That said, moving from Toronto to Terrace did bring challenges—especially adjusting to limited supplies and higher costs in northern B.C. But over time, I adapted, and now, after more than a decade here, I proudly call this region home. Catering events across Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Hazelton, and Smithers has helped me feel deeply connected to the northern B.C. culinary community.
Skeena News: Ranu’s Kitchen has now been operating for three years. What do you believe has made it successful while others have struggled?
Yadwinder Singh: At Ranu’s, every dish is made fresh, and we strive to use local ingredients whenever possible. Our success is a direct result of the passion and effort our team puts into every meal. Indian cuisine is complex—from managing multiple spices to working the tandoor—and it takes dedication. Our team handles these challenges with care and love. I also want to thank our customers, who understand that fresh food takes time and support us with their patience and loyalty. Without them, this second location wouldn’t be possible.
Skeena News: Why did you choose Kitimat for your second location, and how does this expansion fit into your future vision?
Yadwinder Singh: We’ve had many loyal customers from Kitimat who often drove to Terrace just to dine with us. We’ve also catered events for LNG, Rio Tinto, and other clients in Kitimat. When we came across a space that suited our vision for an Indian kitchen, we knew it was the right time to expand.
Skeena News: Are there any differences in menu, setup, or experience between the Terrace and Kitimat locations?
Yadwinder Singh: As we’ve just launched in Kitimat, we are starting with a limited menu. Once operations stabilize, we plan to roll out the full menu and match the experience of our Terrace location.
Skeena News: What message would you like to share with young people or newcomers who dream of opening a business in the Skeena Region?
Yadwinder Singh: If you’re passionate about food and ready to put in the hard work, start by gaining hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen. Learn about cleanliness, food safety, sanitization, inventory management, and service standards. Don’t rush into opening a restaurant just because funding is available—build your foundation first.
Skeena News: Do you plan to expand Ranu’s Kitchen further, and if so, will it continue as a franchise model?
Yadwinder Singh: Yes, we do plan to expand further. Our goal is to open more Ranu’s Kitchen locations across the Skeena Region through a franchise model, with a strong focus on delivering fresh Indian food.
Skeena News: Would you like to recognize or thank any team members, friends, mentors, or supporters who played a role in your journey?
Yadwinder Singh: Absolutely. I want to thank our incredible customers for their continued support, our hardworking restaurant team—our true warriors—and my partners, who believed in me and in the Ranu’s Kitchen vision. I am especially grateful to the First Nations communities across the Skeena Region for their support and encouragement—it means a great deal to us. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who has been part of this journey, and I will continue to work hard to serve our community with excellence.
