After enduring a challenging start amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 5 Rivers Restaurant, located at 1035 Mississaga St. W., is stepping into a brighter future.
Owned and operated by the Chahal family, the Indian eatery has faced numerous obstacles since its opening in November 2019, but is now embracing expansion plans to solidify its place as a community staple.
The Chahals, who also own the plaza housing their restaurant and a U-Haul dealership, were hit hard when the pandemic arrived four months after their grand opening. As a new business, it struggled to qualify for government support programs, forcing the owners to pivot quickly.
“We had to move to takeout only,” explained co-owner Kuljit Chahal. “After that, we basically never got back on our feet.”
With the restaurant’s future uncertain, the family initially planned to redevelop the plaza into a condo complex. However, a slowdown in the housing market led them to scrap the project.
“We got approvals and had everything ready to go,” Chahal said, “but now there are no plans of building the condos anymore. Instead, our focus is entirely on the restaurant.”
Chahal and his family are doubling down on their investment in 5 Rivers, aiming to expand its footprint. Plans include converting adjacent vacant units into a banquet hall and additional dining space.
“A banquet hall would be great for small gatherings,” Chahal said. “It’s something people have been asking for.”
The restaurant prides itself on its authentic, fresh cuisine. Every dish is made with spices ground in house and bread items prepared daily by Chahal’s mother and sisters. His father serves as the main chef, with his brother also taking on a chef’s role.
“In every area of the kitchen, there’s a family member involved. That’s why the quality is so good,” Chahal said.
Despite slow business, the Chahals are confident their commitment to authenticity sets 5 Rivers apart. They offer a range of vegan and vegetarian options, with separate fryers to ensure the integrity of those dishes.
“A lot of places serve pre-made food, but everything here is made from scratch,” Chahal said. “That’s why people who try our food always come back. We even have customers from surrounding cities.”
He believes the restaurant’s liquor licence, expected by late winter, will help draw more diners.
“People are often surprised when they see the seating here,” he said. “Many don’t realize we’re open for dining again.”
As the restaurant continues to recover from its slow beginnings, Chahal says it is committed to making every customer feel like family.
“Our food is so good that if you have us cook for you today, it will be even better tomorrow,” he said. “We want 5 Rivers to be a place where people gather, celebrate, and create memories.”
