Most of us have been familiar with Yogli Mogli at Town Center Park for years. It is now home to Suzy’s Frozen Yogurt Shop and owned by the same family. Rakesh serves up the same delicious frozen yogurt treats and is a friendly face to people enjoying the park or shopping in Suwanee Town Center. He is a very kind person who makes everyone feel appreciated and welcome!
Please tell us a little about your family.
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to hardworking parents from India. My mother was a nurse, and my father was an art teacher. They then pursued the American Dream by owning and running their own business.
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it?
I have a graduate degree, but I decided to go into the family business in the food and hospitality industry, beginning in hotels and now owning my own frozen yogurt franchise in honor of my late mother.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tequila Mama, Mellow Mushroom, Ippolito’s, Bottles & Bones, Seaside Oyster Bar and Beto’s Tacos are some of my favorite restaurants in Suwanee.
How long have you lived or worked here?
Since 2008.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
I love the cultural diversity here. The connectivity of the community is strong, and people come together to experience many events as they support their city.
What business or place — current or former — makes you feel the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
Suwanee Town Center Park. The wonderful city of Suwanee is the place to be because it’s always filled with love and happiness through all of the businesses here in Town Center.
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would that be? Where would you go?
I would invite my guardian angels, my mother and Adam Edge, to visit a local Mexican restaurant and have a great conversation over tacos!
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I have traveled to five of the seven continents in the world, so I have seen many beautiful places including Dubai, Paris, Saint Marten, and Goa, but the place that stands out the most is Santorini.
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990).
Tell me something that’s on your bucket list.
I would like to travel to every single professional sports stadium (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL) to watch a game.
What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
When you believe in your dreams, the impossible becomes possible!
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met in Suwanee?
Amy Doherty, who works for the City of Suwanee. She is an influential figure whose presence is felt throughout our community. She is known for her unwavering support, and she stands by friends and neighbors in good times and bad. Whether organizing local events, lending a helping hand to those in need, or simply offering a listening ear, she embodies the spirit of community and resilience. Her dedication and reliability make her a cornerstone of Suwanee, fostering a sense of unity and strength among its residents.
What type of music do you like?
I listen to all types of music, from country to hip-hop to international.
Tell me something interesting about you that most people don’t know.
I am a sneakerhead. I have traveled across the world and built my collection of hundreds of pairs of sneakers which I started collecting in the 1990s.
Would you rather sing to a crowd of 50 people or speak to a crowd of 500?
I would rather speak and talk about what is going on in the world today and about life in general.
