Operators of Raga Indian Cuisine restaurant are aiming to raise $50,000 during a grand-opening event in Guildford.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, all proceeds from meals and drinks ordered, plus tips and donations, will benefit the children’s wing of Surrey Memorial Hospital via Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
The 200-seat restaurant soft-opened in July at the former Moxies site at Sandman Hotel, 10608 151A St.
"We're doing a grand-opening to celebrate," explained Sahib Mroke, general manager, "and we thought it would be a great idea to do a joint venture with Surrey Memorial Hospital, so 100 per cent of proceeds we make that day will go to the hospital.
"We're optimistic, and we're trying to raise a total of $50,000 for the hospital," he added.
The family-operated Raga is owned by Sahib's father, Kamal Mroke, a restaurant veteran of many years in Vancouver and Washington State.
"I have over 13 years experience in the restaurant business," Sahib said. "My father, he's been in the restaurant business for over 30 years. When I was young, I would help out in the summer time at the restaurant. That's how I gained my experience, and we're partners in this."
"There was another Raga restaurant on West Broadway in Vancouver, but we are not affiliated," Sahib clarified. "However, my father was the head chef there for two years back in the 1980s. Also, one of the first restaurants he opened when my sister and I were born, when we used to live in the Seattle area, it was called Raga. So this is kind of an homage to that first restaurant."
