Our Chef/Owner, Devi Gurung States, grew up in an economically depressed and deprived area of Nepal (Manang, Tilche Village). After both his parents became deceased, he moved to Kathmandu for a dream of better life.

In Kathmandu, Devi became homeless, because he was too young and could not find a job. After spending several months in the streets of Kathmandu, he finally found a job at KC Restaurant. Devi's dream of owning a restaurant started at the age of sixteen while working at the KC Restaurant as a dishwasher and busboy. He met his dear father, Dr. James H. States, M.D., at the KC Restaurant, who brought him to the United States following his successful ascent of Mt. Everest in 1983.

Devi completed his high school education at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Washington. He received his Bachelor's degree in pre-medicine and psychology from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington in 1991. Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Devi asked his father what he could do to pay him back for bringing him to the United States. His father simply told Devi to help people.

Devi decided to pursue his graduate degree in Social Work to learn better skills of helping people. Devi completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from Saint Louis University in 1994. Devi worked as a medical social worker for a many years, where he found that the majority of his clients was suffering a significantly higher prevalence of stroke, diabetes and hypertension.

From this interesting discovery, he decided to pursue another graduate degree in public health. His Master's and Doctorate's degree training in public health and his many years of professional work experience with chronic disease prevention and health promotion have further reinforced his earlier dream of owning a restaurant.

After reflection and redefining of his dream, he shared his dream with his dear wife, Connie States, in whom he trusts and to whom he communicates all his concerns. In order to complete this dream, Devi and Connie opened Everest Café & Bar in February of 2004 with a unique approach of promoting a healthy life style by serving healthy and tasty meals for the customers. Devi tributes the name of Everest Café & Bar to his dear father, Dr. James H. States, M.D., who brought him to the United States.

Devi believes that his Master's and Doctorate's degree training in public health and his many years of professional work experience with chronic disease prevention and health promotion have prepared him to be the most qualified chef in today's restaurant environment to prepare the "Healthy & Tasty" meal. Devi is committed to operating the highest quality restaurant, because it was his dream and the story of why he came to the United States.

Devi's next dream is to establish the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project to deliver primary healthcare to families in the Himalayan region who are poor and suffering as Devi once was.

Devi's wife, Connie States, is from South Korea, and she has a degree as a networking administrator. Devi and Connie also have two children, James and Jesse.

Please visit the website of the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project. Donations help build and fund a medical clinic for the poor, sick and malnourished people of northern Nepal.