Great Concordian: Hardy Grewal, philanthropist and restaurant-management mogul

Hardeep (Hardy) Grewal, BComm 83, epitomizes the spirit of resilience that has marked Concordia over the past five decades.

The son of sugarcane farmers from Punjab, India, who endured the hardships of Partition, Grewal completed a transformative journey as an undergraduate business student.

Determined to become the first college graduate in his family, he drove a taxi over 12-hour shifts through the streets of Montreal to fund his education.

With his commerce degree from Concordia, Grewal ventured into the world of business and carved a path to success. His keen analysis and entrepreneurial acumen led him to oversee a vast network of thousands of Subway restaurant franchises across North America.

In time, as the CEO and president of Los Angeles-based OhCal Foods, Grewal emerged as one of the pre-eminent moguls of restaurant management in North America.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grewal’s commitment to philanthropy has underscored his deep-rooted bond to Concordia and Montreal. In 2016, he and his family endowed a $1-million scholarship fund for MBA candidates at the John Molson School of Business.

“The city of Montreal has a special place in my heart,” says Grewal. “I sometimes think about moving back, and always cherish the opportunity to return and to visit Concordia’s campuses.

“Concordia has long welcomed students from different backgrounds and helped them to maximize their potential and talent. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

In semi-retirement now, Grewal has largely delegated control of his company as he embarks on a new chapter. With a focus on diversification, his attention has now turned to real estate, a venture his children are also passionate about.

“The greater Los Angeles area has a dire need for affordable housing,” he points out. “This will be one of our initial projects, and it’s something I’m extremely excited about.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Hardy Grewal: Several memorable experiences come to mind. Foremost among them was the exhilaration of attending hockey games, particularly those held at Loyola Campus. The camaraderie shared during the bus journeys from the Hall Building downtown was truly special. Despite my commitment to working full-time to sustain myself as a student, those hockey games always stood out as moments of enjoyment and community.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

HG: Surrounding myself with the right individuals, making decisions rooted in logic rather than emotion and embracing calculated risks have all been instrumental.

I’ve been fortunate to have peers in the same industry from whom I’ve gleaned valuable insights. At the core of it all lies resilience and an unwavering commitment to continual growth and adaptation.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

HG: My advice would be twofold: diligence and strategic decision-making are paramount. Hard work is essential, but equally crucial is the ability to make informed decisions and take calculated risks at opportune times. Also, never underestimate the importance of mentorship and peer learning within your chosen field.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

HG: Being recognized as a Great Concordian is a profound honour. Receiving the message about this distinction filled me with immense pride and gratitude. It’s a testament not only to my individual accomplishments but also to the unwavering support of my family and the vibrant city of Montreal. This recognition feels like a full-circle moment, symbolizing the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance.