Jeevan Bom embarked on an extraordinary odyssey from a humble beginning in Khatedi, Doti district, Nepal, to becoming the proud owner of five thriving restaurants in the bustling metropolis.
Born into a middle-class family in Bhadra, young Jee Bam’s parents, Padam Singh Bam and Padma Devi, fervently desired their son to receive a quality education. While Jee harbored aspirations of becoming an engineer, fate had other plans in store for him. A wave of migration swept his family from Khatedi to Tikapur, Kailali, when he was just five years old, marking the onset of his incredible journey.
JEEVAN BOM’s educational endeavors took root in Tikapur Secondary Boarding School, now known as Birendra Vidya Mandir, where he completed his education. Yet, his path to further education was no ordinary one. With no bridge over the Karnali River at that time, Jee embarked on a remarkable journey through India to reach Kathmandu, the epicenter of his dreams.
The indomitable spirit within him led to early financial independence. He tutored the children of army and police officers, a testament to his unwavering work ethic. This dedication to both study and hard work became the cornerstone of his academic journey. After completing his Bachelor’s degree from Min Bhawan Campus, he continued to shine academically, earning his MBA in 1994 from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, and a Bachelor of Law the following year.
In 2001, driven by his passion for knowledge, Jee Bam crossed the seas to the United States to pursue further education. He graduated in International Cooking and began his journey in the culinary world by working at a restaurant in Long Island. Within five years, he rose to prominence as an excellent chef, eventually taking on the role of supervisor of Chef at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
A burning desire for entrepreneurship never left him, and despite the initial setbacks, he persevered. His first venture into the restaurant business faced adversity, leading to a loss of nearly $200,000. Undeterred, he transformed the Tibetan restaurant into a thriving establishment through his skill and efficient management in 2012.
The year 2012 marked the commencement of another journey with the establishment of the Friends Corner Café in Jackson Heights. Subsequently, Spicy Tibbet and Kathmandu Fusion Kitchen, Nepali Mo:Mo Cafe, and Juju Mo:Mo Dumpling became integral components of his burgeoning restaurant empire in 2017. The Royal Byanjan Palace, with its 120-dining capacity, graced Jackson Heights in 2023. His restaurants, serving Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan cuisine, have not only become culinary landmarks but also offer a taste of home to the Nepali and Indian diaspora.
As Jeevan Bom humbly states, his success results from hard work, passion, and honesty. A testament to the American dream, Jee invested $2 million into his business, which now employs 35 individuals and generates millions in revenue.
But success did not come easy. In his early days, Jee played multiple roles within his restaurants, from chef to dishwasher, from accountant to manager. It was a taxing endeavor, one that tested his mettle. He also worked part-time housekeeping to make his living more accessible in New York City. “I came from rock bottom and now I felt like a dream come true,” Bom recalled his past.
Jeevan Bam’s journey from dishwasher to the owner of five prestigious New York City restaurants is a testament to unwavering determination and commitment to one’s passion. His secret of success? “My hard work and my experience. I never quit in my passion,” he asserts.
The path to success was arduous, particularly in the early days as an immigrant. Working six days a week, twelve hours a day, he earned a meager $250 a week. However, Jee clung to a belief in a brighter future.
Not content with his success alone, Jee Bam embodies a spirit of generosity and community engagement. His ethical code is simple but profound: “I never say no to someone who really needs my support.” This sentiment translated into substantial donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a lifeline to those in far-western Nepal.
Even in the face of adversity, Jeevan Bam’s resilience shines. He contracted COVID-19 in March 2020, becoming one of the first in his community to face the virus. With no established treatment, he relied on his wife, a healthcare worker, for support.
Jeevan and his wife, Parbati, have returned their benevolence to their homeland, Nepal. From donating an ambulance to contributing $11,000 to a Children’s Hospital project, their commitment to giving back echoes their journey from humble beginnings to success in the United States. Bom never turned back when people were really in need of humanitarian and natural crises. “My heart gets emotional when I find someone with a deep humanitarian crisis; helping humanity is my innermost passion,” said Bom. Bom is immensely popular among his family and friend circle due to his helping nature in terms of financial and moral support.
The secret to Jeevan Bam’s phenomenal success? “Do what you’re passionate about and give it your best.” His remarkable odyssey from a remote village in Nepal to the bustling streets of New York City inspires all, a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and unwavering determination. Bom gives all the credit to his wife Parbati and daughter Suravi for his successful and happy life.