Lead

When brothers Satnam and Nirmal Bains immigrated to Vancouver from India in 1997, they arrived with little more than determination and a dream. After working 3 years at their relatives store, they rented a small storefront in East Vancouver, named Van Pacific, and began selling basic Indian groceries to nearby families. The early years were filled with long hours, language barriers, financial risks and uncertainty — but the brothers had one shared goal: to build a better life and create something of their own.

Satnam (left) and Nirmal Bains (right), joined by their cousin and employee, stand outside their basement before heading to their first store’s grand opening in Vancouver.
(Family archival photo, 1997)

Building a Business from Scratch

The first store was small — a narrow shop with a few tight aisles and limited stock. Financing was a constant struggle, as banks were hesitant to lend to newcomers without Canadian credit history. “We were turned down more than once,” recalls Satnam Bains. But we didn’t let that stop us. We just worked harder.”

Satnam Bains, one of the brothers, stands inside the family’s store — a business built from humble beginnings through hard work and resilience. (Bhangu, 2025.)
Satnam’s wife, eldest sister, her children and their mother gathered at the Vancouver stores cash register. (Family archival photo, 1998.)

The brothers often spent 12 to 14 hours a day behind the counter, learning from every mistake. Most employees were family including their sisters and cousins. Their commitment to honest service and good quality began to draw in loyal customers. “People came back because we remembered their names,” says Nirmal. “It wasn’t just about selling, it was about connecting. We still hold the same connections almost 30 years later.’

By focusing on community relationships, they slowly built a reputation for reliability and warmth. Their store became a familiar and trusted spot in the neighborhood, especially for the Punjabi community struggling to find Indian groceries and supplies. 

Growth and Expansion

After a few years and encouragement with growing support, all while balancing truck driving, Satnam and Nirmal decided to take a risk and open a location in Surrey in 2009. They purchased a small shop in Payal Business Centre, the biggest plaza in the Lower Mainland for Indian goods. “For 12 years, we worked long hours, joined trucking to earn extra and invested into a bigger store” Satnam explains.

Employee Harjap restocks shelves — a small glimpse into the hard work and dedication that keep the business running smoothly. (Bhangu, 2025.)

The expansion was a turning point. They registered as Surrey Supermarket. With more space and better supplier connections, the business began to flourish. Their demand increased and in 2011, they purchased the newly built shop next door which was triple the size at 10,000 sq ft. They invested in a small warehouse in 2016 to manage stock more efficiently and supply other local businesses.

Satnam Bains, Sukhi Bains (Nirmal’s wife) and Jasbir Bhangu (sister) during a closing shift. (Family archival photo, 1997)

Today, the Bains brothers own three stores, two warehouses and franchise 2 stores across the Lower Mainland, employing more than 20 staff members.

Their journey from one cramped family run store to a network of thriving businesses stands as a testament to the power of persistence and family/community support.

Community at the Heart of Success

The daily rhythm of the business, with customers browsing the aisles at checkout. (Bhangu, 2025.)

What sets the Bains brothers apart is their commitment to community. Their stores regularly sponsor food drives, school fundraisers, and donations. Their commitment to quality promises have created strong customer support. “I have been shopping here for 25 years and their quality, community connection and service is unbeatable” says long time customer Jas.

A moment of teamwork at the checkout — the cashier rings through purchases while the store associate helps the customer carry heavy groceries outside, providing customer service excellence. (Bhangu, 2025.)

Their employees echo that sentiment. Harjap Singh , who has worked for the brothers for nearly a decade, shares, “It’s not just a job here, it’s like being part of a family.”

This sense of belonging is what has kept the Bains business strong through economic shifts and the challenges of the pandemic years.


Tail: A Legacy of Resilience

The family and employees share dinner behind the store after Diwali celebration — a snapshot of unity and perseverance. (Family archival photo, 1999.)

From their humble beginnings in 1997 to their current success, Satnam and Nirmal Bains’ story reflects the resilience shared by many immigrant entrepreneurs. They overcame language barriers, financial limitations, racism, and cultural challenges to build something lasting — not only for themselves but for their community.

As Satnam puts it, “We came to Canada with nothing. Now, when I see our stores full and our staff smiling, it feels like home.”


Their journey is a reminder that even the smallest beginnings can grow into something extraordinary — when built with heart, hard work, and the support of a community.

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