Surendar(Sonie)Sakhuja
The patriarch of the Pita Hut Enterprises family, Surendar “Sonie” Sakhuja, was born in Burma in 1939, the second eldest of seven children. His family was forced from their homeland to nearby India during the Burmese Civil War. He spent his early years helping his parents to support his five sisters and one brother. From a young age, he was fascinated with food and its preparation. Early exposure to the tenants of food prepared with love and care would go on to serve him well in his future as an enterprising restaurateur. Though things were difficult for the family, he greatly treasured his childhood and they enjoyed many happy times together. A great lover of life, Surendar’s motto has always been “work hard and party harder.”
He married his devoted wife Shital Sakhuja in 1971. Shortly after marrying, he moved to America with only $10 in his pocket. He made Chicago his home and began to explore the ideals of freedom and opportunity offered by his new country. The couple had their first daughter Sonali in 1973 and his wife and new baby stayed in India while Surendar worked to save the money to bring them to the United States and begin their new life together. Through hard work and true determination, he built himself from the ground up until he was able to sponsor his entire family, including his brothers and sisters as well as his wife’s brothers and sisters, to come to America to live the dream with him. In 1978, Shital and Surendar had their eldest son Ankur. Their youngest son Sameer followed in 1983.
Surendar continually put money away to finance his dream of owning his own business. He constantly pursued this dream though his first attempts at a restaurant startup were well received but met with economic hardship. He persevered and never gave up forging his way in the industry. He moved with his family to Florida in 1988 and opened his first restaurant “Thai Wok” with business partners. His desire to provide excellent Eastern-inspired dishes greatly influenced his menu creation. After experiencing business differences with his partners, they agreed to close their business and move forward independently. He then began work at the Orange County Convention Center, taking with him many lessons that would prove immensely beneficial for the next stage of his life.
His work as a sous chef and banquet server at the OCCC helped him to realize the potential of the center. He eagerly collaborated with the Fine Host team and soon became a sub-contractor. His experience working many different restaurant positions in his life aided his seamless transition into management. After a few years of growing his business, his son Ankur joined him in the day to day running of the company. Today, Pita Hut Enterprises is run by both his sons and has operations nationwide.
Surendar left behind a full family, a lovely wife, three children and four grandchildren. He will be truly missed and lives on through those who love him and the values upon which he founded his company.