A legacy rooted in integrity: How Brar’s expanded while staying true to their values

For Brar’s, every bite tells a story. From their humble beginnings in a small takeaway restaurant to becoming one of Canada’s leading ethnic food manufacturers, the Brar’s journey is a testament to tradition, resilience, and the power of family. Today, under the leadership of CEO Kiran Mann, Brar’s is forging ahead with bold ambitions while remaining true to its roots.

But growth comes with challenges, and for Mann, the question wasn’t whether Brar’s could grow — it was how to grow sustainably without losing sight of what matters most.

Brar’s is navigating this exciting chapter with confidence, tackling governance, tax strategy, and succession planning head-on.  

A family dream becomes a national brand

Brar’s began decades ago with its original founder, Manjit Singh, in 1986. In 1991, the business was purchased by Dial Pabla, whose determination and vision laid out the groundwork for Brar’s success today. From running a single restaurant with no culinary experience to creating a manufacturing empire, Pabla’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired Brar’s ethos of hard work and resilience. 

In 2019, the business took a major leap by opening a 179,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, capable of producing dairy products, snacks, and sweets inspired by traditional recipes. While growth was steady, the COVID-19 pandemic tested the business in ways it had never faced before.

Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation could have derailed their progress, but Mann’s innovative leadership turned challenges into opportunities.

Leadership redefined

When Kiran Mann took over as CEO, she brought experience from nine other industries and a passion for redefining leadership. As a female leader in the food and beverage sector, she embraced the challenges with determination.

Her forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in building the business. But business growth brought new complexities that the team didn’t have in-house expertise for.

A strategic collaboration built on trust

Mann knew she needed a strategic partner who could handle not just the numbers but also the unique dynamics of a family business.

“What stood out about MNP was their ability to balance professionalism with empathy,” Mann says. “They didn’t just understand the technical side of governance and succession planning, they also recognized the emotional nuances that come with managing a family business.”

MNP helped Brar’s develop a governance structure that clarified roles and processes across the organization.    

“MNP’s approach was comprehensive,” Mann notes. “They weren’t just advisors — they were collaborators who helped us think through every aspect, from family dynamics to corporate operations. They brought both expertise and heart to the table.”

How the process unfolded: Practical insights

For businesses facing similar challenges, Mann shares the key steps that facilitated Brar’s transformation:

1.     Define the vision

Mann began by getting crystal clear on her goals for Brar’s.” You need to know who you are, where you’re going and what you need to get there,” says Mann.  

2.    Engage the right partner

MNP’s expertise in family businesses was a decisive factor, bringing both technical know-how and real-world experience. Mann noted how her advisors understood the emotional nuances, not just theory. “MNP is like an extended arm of our team,” Mann says. I can pick up the phone anytime and know I’m getting reliable advice.”

3.    Diagnose the challenges

MNP advisors conducted a thorough assessment of Brar’s governance structure, tax strategy, and operational processes. In doing so, the team was able to reveal opportunities for efficiency savings and scalability.

4.    Implementing targeted solutions: The 600-thousand-dollar tax strategy  

One of the most impactful aspects of MNP’s work with Brar’s was a $600,000 corporate tax savings — a game-changer for the business. Brar’s reinvested this amount into growth plans, including capital expenditures such as equipment upgrades and facility improvements, along with infrastructure investments. These strategic moves expanded their manufacturing capabilities and positioned the company to confidently pursue new opportunities.

5.    Iterate and adapt

The process didn’t stop at implementation. MNP continues to collaborate with Brar’s, offering ongoing support as the business navigates fresh opportunities.

A vision for the future

With a robust foundation now in place, Brar’s is well-prepared to pursue its growth plans and explore new opportunities. The focus is clear — scaling operations, expanding internationally, and seizing opportunities in new markets. Backed by MNP’s deep industry knowledge and network, Brar’s has already begun forming the connections needed to accelerate growth.

The Brar’s business expansion strategy goes hand-in-hand with its commitment to innovation and tradition. Whether it’s enhancing manufacturing capabilities or exploring franchise opportunities, every step forward is anchored by the same core values that have guided Brar’s since its inception. This dual focus ensures the business is not only equipped to meet today’s challenges but is also prepared to thrive in the constantly changing food and beverage industry.

By embracing collaboration and thoughtful planning, Brar’s is crafting a future as rich and authentic as the recipes that have made it a household name.