Vikram Vij leaves Dragons' Den to focus on new restaurant

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      Vikram Vij is leaving the Dragons' Den television show on CBC.

      According to a news release today, the restaurateur is concentrating on opening his new Vij’s restaurant on Cambie Street. It's a project that has long been in the works; a year ago in March 2014, Vij told the Georgia Straight that he was hoping to open the Cambie Street restaurant in September 2014. 

      “I’m sad to be leaving Dragons’ Den because it’s been such a wonderful and unique experience,” said Vij in today's news release. “But I have to prioritize my restaurant – Vij’s is like my first-born child; and right now it needs all my time and concentration.”

      Vij joined the CBC show in October and has done deals with new businesses including Tangoo, the pocket concierge app; Baby Parka, a snuggie for babies being carried in a harness; Casalinga, canned cabbage rolls; and Shape and Store Burger Master, a silicon burger shaper for the freezer.

      After Vij moves his restaurant from its present location in South Granville, he plans to launch a new venture in that spot. 

      In 2012 Vij lauched his mobile food truck, Vij's Railway Express, and last spring launched My Shanti in Surrey. Vij has also recently expanded sales of his curried foods at new concession stands in BC Place and at Whistler/Blackcomb.

      Vij's restaurant won first place for Best North Indian restaurant in the 2015 Georgia Straight's Golden Plates readers' choice survey and Best Indian in the restaurant-industry insider picks.

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