Syrian refugee family marks 10 years in Canada with shawarma shop success

The Qarqous family, Sudbury's first Syrian refugees, celebrates 10 years. They have built a thriving restaurant and say the community has made them feel at home

It’s a family affair behind the counter at Damascus Shawarma. As the Qarqous family marked 10 years since their arrival in Canada as refugees from Syria, they passed the celebration on to their customers.

“When I came here me and my wife had three children – only my family. Now I have big family. Sudbury now my family,” said Hussein Qarqous.

It was December 31, 2015, when Hussein, his wife and their three boys arrived at the Sudbury Airport to begin their new life in Canada. Two more children have since been born in Canada, including Omar, who helps at the cash register at the business. The family has embraced life in this country.

They were the first Syrian refugee family in Sudbury during a time when Canada helped to resettle tens of thousands fleeing the war-torn country.

“Since we have come to Sudbury, we have never ever felt like outsiders and the community of Sudbury has always made us feel like we at home and in Canada,” said Osama.

“We’re very grateful for that.”

The three boys started school and began learning English, while Hussien used his skills as a baker working at the now closed Golden Grain Bakery before opening the family business in 2018 – first at its location on Beech Street downtown before moving to its site on Lasalle Boulevard.

Nabil Qarqous, who was almost 10 when the family first arrived, said he didn’t know what to expect in Canada.

“We stopped at a bus (station) in Beirut, and I tried to actually run away and go to my uncle, cause I didn’t want to come. I was nervous I didn’t know what Canada was,” he said.

“Since I’ve been to Lebanon and Syria and saw the situation, I thank God that I came with my family and we came to this beautiful country.”

Nabil is the family’s mastermind behind the restaurant’s chocolate creations, having developed a recipe for the menu’s Damascus’ Dubai Pistachio Chocolate bar.

When they first arrived as refugees, they were sponsored by St. Andrew’s United Church. A few old friends came on Wednesday to help the family celebrate.

“I’m delighted that they’ve established this business, which seems to be so busy and successful,” said church member Joyce Dickson, who was enjoying lunch in the restaurant.

“We’ve watched the boys grow up – and the little girl. So, I wanted to come and congratulate them.”

“I am very happy, and I work hard in Sudbury to open my business, and my children they go to school, everyone safe,” Hussein said.

It doesn’t seem like the Qarqous family plans to slow down. They all said they want to expand the business. When asked where he sees himself 10 years from now Hussein told CTV News, “God willing with 10 Damascus locations.”

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