Posted: Tuesday July 28, 2026
Get to know Waji, one of our first three Brockville Buzz Squad team members for 2026.
Waji was first introduced to Brockville when he was seeking a location to run a “Sunset Grill” franchise. After learning that an opportunity was available right away here in Brockville, he came for a visit and found that the pace of life and sense of community here was a match for what he was looking for, and a welcome change of pace from his home in Toronto. Fast forward six years, and Waji has opened not only Sunset Grill, but Mary Brown’s Chicken as well, and has plans to open his own bakery. You can find him on Facebook as “Waji the Baker”.
Keep reading below for a Question and Answer session with Waji where he tells us more about himself, his businesses, and what he loves most about Brockville.
Questions and Answers with Waji:
Can you provide a brief overview of your companies and what you do:
I am the owner and operator of two restaurant businesses in Brockville: Sunset Grill and Mary Browns Chicken. Sunset Grill opened in 2020 and is a family-style breakfast and lunch restaurant focused on fresh, made-to-order meals. We offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch classics, fresh eggs, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers, and lighter fare.
In 2025, we expanded our presence in the community by opening Mary Browns Chicken, a Canadian quick-service restaurant brand. Mary Brown’s specializes in fresh, hand-cut fried chicken, signature Big Mary sandwiches, chicken wings, chicken tenders and much more. With a dine-in space, patio, and drive-thru, we aim to provide convenient, high-quality food options while creating local jobs and contributing to Brockville’s growing food and hospitality sector.
How did Brockville first make it onto your radar when you were looking for places to start your business?
When I decided I wanted to open a restaurant, I contacted the Sunset Grill head office and told them I was interested. At that time, they had a location available right away in Brockville. That’s how Brockville first came to my attention.
I came to visit the city to see the location and learn more about the area. I really liked the small-town feel, the friendly people, and the strong sense of community. It felt welcoming and peaceful.
After my visit, I decided to move from Toronto to Brockville and open Sunset Grill in 2020. Over time, I grew to love the city even more, which gave me the confidence to open Mary Brown’s in 2025.
What is next for your company/companies?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing my businesses in Brockville. My focus is on maintaining high-quality service at Sunset Grill and Mary Brown’s while continuing to serve and support the community.
I am also working on expanding and exploring opportunities to open another business in Brockville. My goal is to continue investing in the city, create more local jobs, and provide more dining options for residents.
Brockville has been very supportive of my restaurants, and I look forward to continuing to grow here and contributing to the local economy.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your company?
One highlight I’m very proud of is that Sunset Grill was awarded Small Business of the Year in 2024 in Brockville. This was a very meaningful milestone for us and reflects the hard work of our team and the support we have received from the community.
Both Sunset Grill and Mary Brown’s focus on providing high-quality food, great customer service, and a welcoming environment for families and friends. At Mary Brown’s, we offer fresh, hand-cut chicken and halal food options, while Sunset Grill is known for fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch.
What skills and training are in demand in your industry?
In the restaurant and hospitality industry, there are several important skills that are always in demand. One of the most important is customer service, because restaurants focus on giving customers a positive and welcoming experience. Staff need to communicate well, be patient, and handle busy situations. Food preparation and food safety training are also very important. Employees need to understand proper food handling, cleanliness, and kitchen procedures.
The industry also requires teamwork, time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Restaurants can be very busy, especially during weekends and holidays, so staff need to work well together and stay organized. At the same time, the restaurant industry can be challenging. It often requires long hours, working evenings and weekends, and standing for long periods of time.
What is your favourite part about living and working in Brockville?
I enjoy the quality of life in Brockville. It is a peaceful city with beautiful scenery, especially the waterfront and historic downtown area. Compared to a large city, it has a slower pace that makes it a great place to live and work.
Overall, Brockville feels like home. Being able to run my businesses here while being part of a welcoming community is something I really appreciate.
How do you stay involved in the community?
Staying involved in the community is very important to me. Through my businesses, we try to support local organizations and events whenever possible through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts.
In the past, we have helped raise funds for the Brockville Food Bank, the Cooperative Care Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Giving back to the community that supports our businesses is something I truly value.
We have also supported and sponsored local events such as boat cruises, golf tournaments, and other community fundraisers. In addition, I try to attend local gatherings, festivals, and community events to stay connected with the people and organizations in Brockville.
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