ARTHUR – A local Sikh family has turned to social media to speak out against the racism they've experienced since taking over a popular downtown Arthur restaurant.
Earlier this week, Jasman Gill and her sisters turned to their communities for support on the Arthur: What's Happening Facebook page after her father, Harry, the owner of Erni's Place in Arthur and Super Snax in Belwood, was accused of "acting like the owner" of his restaurant, told he couldn't be the owner "because he's brown" and to "go back to his country."
Originally from Brampton, Jasman said this is just one of several racist incidents the family has experienced since taking over the Arthur location in late 2021 and if they continue, the family may consider selling the restaurant and moving back to the city.
"My parents are Canadian citizens and they've been in Canada for 25-plus years...they consider Canada their home," said Jasman. "So being told to go back to their country, it's just honestly not fair and they hate it."
According to Jasman, who works at the restaurant with her family, sometimes the racism isn't blatant and she'll find herself forced to smile off questionable remarks from customers during conversations at cash or while taking orders.
Other times the police have been involved because customers have thrown food, refused to be served by "brown people," and used various racial slurs.
Despite this, Jasman said her parents have remained kind to a fault and she's worried people are taking advantage of them, which is why she shared their experiences on social media.
"My parents are the most loving people, they would never discriminate and they're the most humble people I know so they just laugh it off and tell us not to worry," said Jasman. "But for me and my sisters...when (the incident) happened, we cried. It's 2024 and the fact that this is still happening is not okay."
Since their post, Jasman said the family has been overwhelmed with support and the attention has attracted several new and old customers to the restaurant.
"It's honestly been surreal to see how much of the community came together after the post, the response has been amazing," said Jasman. "It really feels like family and like we're not alone. So what if there's that one hater? There's a billion other people that love us."
Established in 2010 by the Ernikoglou's, Jasman said there was a bit of "culture shock" when the Gill's took over and introduced a butter chicken special to Erni's Place, a local joint known for its pizza, classic pub fare and all-day breakfast.
Three years later, Erni's is now decked out in cultural decorations from the Gill's house and the family offers a bonus Indian menu, daily tiffin service and special celebrations on holidays like Diwali, when it's common to see Jasman's mom dressed in a suit handing out sweets at the counter.
They also expanded to a second location at Super Snax in Belwood in 2023.
For Jasman's mom, who always wanted to run an Indian restaurant, it's a dream come true to spread cultural awareness and to have community members celebrate with her- even if some people can't appreciate it.
"We're really lucky to have this restaurant to appreciate not just our culture but a family working together," said Jasman. "I love the love that my family gets for owning Erni's."
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.