Coffee with Harry Sidhu: How a Janitor Became Mayor
Briefly

Harry Sidhu's life journey from India to Anaheim, California, illustrates resilience and determination. Arriving in the U.S. with just six dollars, he balanced working nights as a janitor with attending community college, ultimately earning a mechanical engineering degree. After a successful engineering career, he shifted to the restaurant business seeking freedom, expanding from one Burger King to a chain of 28 restaurants. His commitment to hard work and community involvement underscores his evolution into a respected local leader following a personal setback with the Northridge earthquake.
I remember feeling excited, but also scared. My family was already here. I was the last to come. I didn't speak much English. I just knew I had to work hard.
Oh yes, I cleaned floors at night and sat in class during the day. It was very tiring. But it made me strong.
I wanted freedom. I bought one Burger King in Hacienda Heights. Then we added more. We worked hard.
In 1994, the Northridge earthquake hit. Our home was damaged. We moved to Anaheim Hills.
Read at Business Matters
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