With the looming threat of a potential economic collapse, many businesses cut their losses and laid off their employees across the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of Bhutanese youth who went to work in the Middle East returned home when they were relieved from their jobs. Today, many of them are looking for a decent job while some have ventured into businesses. In Haa, an overseas returnee is trying out his hands at the burger business.
28-year-old Sonam Norbu is a university graduate. He left to work in the Middle East when he couldn’t land a job on his interest in the country. It is in the Middle East where he learnt how to make burgers. Upon returning home, he attended training from the labour ministry and the Thimphu TechPark and opened his burger shop in Haa. And today his business is doing well.
“It is first of its kind in Haa so people are excited about it. I could earn Nu 10,000 on the first day of opening and the profit margin doesn’t fall below Nu 7,000 a day even to date,” he said.
“It is exciting. In Haa, we normally don’t get burgers. It is especially the youth who prefer burgers. Sonam Norbu is our friend, he went abroad and came back with such skills. When we tried his burger it is tasty we are glad he set up his business in our locality,” said Namgay Tshering, in Haa.
“We were only aware and fond of our delicacy Haabi Hoentey. The burger is new to us. Now as youth bring in different ideas we are proud and delighted,” added Nimchu.
Sonam plans to keep his burger local.
“I learned to make the sauce at home, so it is not a problem. We have rich ingredients here to make the sauce. Similarly, I will be using bun, cheese and vegetables that are available in the locality. This way I can also help the locality,” he added.
Sonam says if not for the burger business idea, he could be wasting most of his productive time if he is to wait for a job amid the pandemic. He believes so long as you have the will there is always a way out no matter how grave the situation.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
