Summerwood Celebrates RGM’s Long-Awaited Reunion with Family
For Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Upen P. his team and accomplishments at our Edgewood, MD Taco Bell are an enormous source of pride, but nothing compares to the swell of emotions he felt over the summer when he finally reunited with his father, wife and daughter after nearly a decade apart.
As a family owned business, we were delighted to support this beautiful family during such a momentous occasion.
Upen’s Story
Seven years ago, Upen left his then pregnant wife, Manju, in Nepal with his parents to pursue a better future for the family in the U.S. His younger brother was already living in Maryland, along with numerous cousins. So, like so many immigrants, Upen set out across the ocean to find opportunity.
After working a few other jobs, he noticed a Summerwood job opening shared with the Nepalese community on Facebook. Coincidentally, it was published by a fellow Nepali, Summerwood’s own Sunil K., an Area Coach. He says the two met and immediately clicked, and he landed an interview! Today, Upen has been happily employed with us for three years.
The Long-Awaited Arrival
In May, Upen was so excited to welcome his family to America that he hurried to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport two hours early with flowers and a baby doll in hand. Due to the entry process and lines in customs, however, they didn’t emerge for more than four and a half hours!
“I was so worried,” Upen admits. “Later, when my wife came, she said they didn’t ask her anything … they just need[ed] documentation to be verified and everything.”
The minute he laid his eyes on them, he says he suddenly forgot how excruciating the extra wait time had been. Until that day, he’d never met his daughter Upama in person. She’s now six years old!
“It has been a truly emotional and blessed experience for me and my family,” he shares. Manju and Upama are here to stay; Upen’s father enjoyed a monthlong visit to the U.S. before returning home.
According to Upen, little Upama was unsure of her father at first, wondering, is this for real? But she has since warmed up and, like any curious child, asks many questions every day. She’s just begun first grade.
“I am being a proper father right now,” Upen beams, sharing how he was able to help establish a bedtime routine for Upama, something most of us easily take for granted.
Work & Life Intersect
Upen expresses gratitude for the ways Summerwood and his supervisors – Sunil and Region Coach Kofi O. – showed up for him during this very important time.
“I’m thankful to God that I have such wonderful hearts and wonderful human beings around me,” he says.
Today, as Upen’s family continues to acclimate to our country, he welcomes new opportunities at Summerwood. Most recently, he accepted a contract Area Training Manager position, handling the hiring and training for our soon-to-open Taco Bell in Willis Grove, PA, while also helping us transform a couple of underperforming locations in the area.
“I am truly proud to be a part of the Summerwood team, and I remain committed to giving my 100% effort to continue growing, achieving results, and contributing positively to the company.”
– Upen P., RGM
This latest short-term assignment requires Upen to once again be away from his family a few days a week, but with the support of Manju, he says it’s going okay.
“At the end of the day, you need to see who you are … what you can change,” he explains, determined to make a difference, especially when it comes to workplace culture.
“Culture plays a vital role in the store,” he says from experience.
Once Upen’s work is complete in Pennsylvania, the plan is for him to resume managing his Taco Bell in Edgewood. But he also admits he’s ready for advancement and hopes to one day oversee multiple restaurants.
For now, we’re happy to see Upen’s family together again – a big, warm welcome to Manju and Upama. Together at last! May the best be yet to come for your sweet family!
