Raman Arora, owner of Maggie’s on Meeker Restaurant, recently won the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the annual statewide conference sponsored by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the state Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation.
The conference, known as PLACES, was held in Walla Walla from Oct. 16 to 18 and focused on the continued care of places through historic preservation, placemaking, and economic vitality, including Main Street communities. The conference brought together preservationists, planners, downtown development experts and more.
According to the Kent Downtown Partnership, part of the conference will include the Excellence on Main Awards, which will recognize local businesses that bring life to Main Street. This award celebrates the efforts of community-driven projects, entrepreneurs, and volunteers. This recognition recognizes the dedication, innovation and passion local businesses and property owners invest in making Main Street a vibrant center of culture, commerce and community spirit.
The Kent Downtown Partnership nominated Arora based on her entrepreneurial journey and evidence of her innovative spirit, unwavering dedication and impact on the community.
Arora, who is from the Indian state of Punjab, embodies passion, resilience and a commitment to excellence, according to the Kent Downtown Partnership. After graduating from high school, she chose to pursue a career rather than following traditional expectations. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to London, England, where she discovered a love for the hospitality industry. Dreaming of owning her own restaurant, she moved to the greater Seattle area at age 25, drawn to the area’s diversity and opportunity.
According to the Kent Downtown Partnership, Arora worked hard in the restaurant industry and saved up for years, including jobs at Dairy Queen and Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe. On April 1, she achieved her dream by becoming the proud owner of Maggie’s on Meeker, a cherished, women-owned, heritage business located at 307 W. Meeker Street in downtown Kent that opened in 2005.
“Raman is a successful business owner while maintaining McGee’s reputation for great food, community spirit and a welcoming atmosphere,” according to a statement from the Kent Downtown Partnership. “She frequently donates to community causes, supports local charities, and always gives back to the community she loves.
“Her journey was supported by friends, customers, and her ‘American mother’ Kaki, and her encouragement was invaluable. Raman’s story is one of dedication to quality, community and love for Kent, which she proudly calls home. ”
Maggie’s will continue to be a place where many people gather.
According to the Kent Downtown Partnership, “Raman has a genuinely generous and inclusive personality.” “She continues the legacy of the previous owner (Sue Floyd) of a welcoming presence on Meeker Street. In addition to her family and friends, Maggie’s will be supported by Kent Meridian’s teachers, public health nurses and Kent City officials. It is also a gathering place for work groups such as McGee, where colleagues gather for social gatherings and team meetings.
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