This 25-year-old thought of joining the hospitality industry but wanted to do something other than just open another regular sit-eat-leave joint. So, a year ago, Sahaj Nath Khadka took over Around the Corner restaurant in Bansbari, Kathmandu, added his unique touch to it, and reopened it for the public. This multi cuisine restaurant and event venue is a perfect place for nature lovers. The theme of this restaurant is ‘Dine in Nature’.  
Khadka, who holds a bachelors degree from Silver Mountain Institute of Hotel Management, started his business at the age of 24. He says he always wanted to be involved in the hospitality sector and bring new changes and ideas. “There is a lot of potential in the hospitality sector is Nepal and a lot of it is going untapped,” says Khadka adding that since this sector is growing as the second largest economy he wants to capitalize on it. 

And Khadka has all the right exposure to bring new ideas to the table. After completing his bachelors, he got the opportunity to visit different countries like Malaysia, Dubai, and Indonesia for various internship programs. After completing his multiple internships, he returned to Nepal to, do something of his own. It was in this process of brainstorming and idea generation that he came up with a concept of dining in nature but he was yet to find a perfect location for it. 

Then luck struck when he found out that Around the Corner, which had been shut down for over a year was up for sale. After the takeover, things were far from easy. To restart this venture, it took Khadka a lot of patience, hard work, and dedication. Now with 12 young employees, Around the Corner serves good food at affordable rates in just the right setting. This place also holds different programs like workshops, exhibitions, and seminars on a weekly basis. Khadka has brought back a once dead place to life. 

Khadka believes that there are many opportunities in Nepal for those who want to start their own businesses. “All you need is the right product and the right approach,” he says adding that a go-getter attitude and willingness to learn along the way wouldn’t hurt either. Khadka had numerous opportunities to work abroad but he chose to come back to Nepal because he wanted to make a difference in the hospitality sector through his work. 

“The sense of satisfaction I get is priceless. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he says. And for that, he still works as hard as he did when he was just starting out. When he travels, he is always in search of ideas and inspiration to bring back home. He wants to give his restaurant a unique edge and give people 110 reasons to visit it. 

(Arpana Magar)

 
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