Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilda Jha.
Hi Gilda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Story – Gilda Ortega-Jha, Owner of Olympic Flame Restaurant
I grew up surrounded by the heartbeat of restaurant life — the aroma of food cooking, the laughter of customers, and the tireless hands of my family working behind the scenes. My mother worked in our family’s restaurants, cleaning, serving, and supporting my uncle, who was a cook. As a little girl, I watched them both and dreamed that one day, I would follow in their footsteps — not just to run a restaurant, but to build something that carries the same love and hard work they taught me.
When my mother came to the United States from Guatemala, she settled in the High Desert and worked as a waitress in small restaurants and coffee shops. Through her journey, I learned what true perseverance looks like. She taught me that dignity and determination can turn humble beginnings into powerful stories.
For over 25 years, Olympic Flame Restaurant has been more than just a business for our family — it’s been our dream come to life. It’s a place that once welcomed us as customers and now stands as a symbol of everything we’ve worked to build.
But what fills my heart most is the people. I’ve always believed in giving young students and first-time workers a chance. Many of our team members started with no experience — high school students who just needed someone to believe in them. Watching them grow into confident, capable individuals has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Our restaurant family has become a space of mentorship and empowerment, where young people find their voice and their purpose.
We also take pride in continuing the legacy of family-owned restaurants that have long served their communities. We’ve had the privilege of taking over beloved, established places — learning from the generations before us, honoring their traditions, and then bringing them to life again with new energy and vision. That is why today, we proudly carry forward the legacy of the Olympic Flame Burgers chain and the Knowlwood – World’s Best Hamburger brand, both institutions with 40- and 60-year histories. We are honored to preserve their spirit while helping them grow and thrive in a new era.
As a Latina business owner, my dream goes beyond food. I want to inspire other Latinas to dream boldly, work passionately, and never forget where they come from. Our roots are our strength — and with love, resilience, and faith, we can build something that lasts for generations.
At Olympic Flame, every plate tells a story — of family, heritage, and heart. We carry forward the flame that was lit decades ago, and with every meal we serve, we keep it burning brighter for the next generation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everyone told us that the restaurant business is tough — and they were absolutely right. It’s not easy. There are long hours, unexpected challenges, and lessons that sometimes come the hard way. But through it all, we’ve learned and grown every single day.
We made mistakes along the way, but each one taught us something valuable — about people, about business, and about ourselves. Every challenge helped us become stronger and wiser. We’ve learned that in this industry, consistency is everything — showing up with the same passion, quality, and dedication day after day is what truly builds trust with your team and your community.
Over time, we developed our own core values — integrity, respect, hard work, and heart — and we live by them. They guide every decision we make, from how we treat our employees to how we serve our customers.
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. We’ve learned to trust the process, to stay humble, and to believe that even on the hardest days, perseverance will always pay off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Olympic Flame Burgers ?
At Olympic Flame Burgers, we’re more than just a restaurant — we’re a family tradition built on passion, consistency, and community. For over two decades, we’ve served the High Desert and beyond with food made from the heart and a commitment to genuine hospitality.
Recently, we proudly expanded our story by taking over Knowlwood – World’s Best Hamburger, a beloved California brand with more than 60 years of history. We’re honored to continue its legacy while bringing new energy, fresh ideas, and a modern touch to the classic family restaurant experience.
What sets us apart is our belief in blending tradition with innovation. While we stay true to our roots, we’re also preparing for the future — including the launch of our own digital payment and loyalty system to make dining with us more seamless and rewarding.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to keep family-owned restaurants alive, serve great food with love, and inspire others with the same passion that started it all.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something many people don’t know about me is that I started from the very bottom — cleaning tables, washing dishes, and helping my family wherever I could. Those humble beginnings shaped my belief that success means more than numbers; it’s about people.
As a Latina business owner, I’ve always chosen community over profit and relationships over corporate style. I believe in giving back, helping others rise, and creating opportunities for those who just need a chance — just like I once did. Our restaurants aren’t run like corporations; they’re run like families, where everyone belongs and grows together. That’s what truly sets us apart.
Pricing:
- Olympic Flame Burgers: Classic burgers and meals priced between $9–$15, made fresh and flame-grilled to perfection.
- Knowlwood Restaurant: Legendary burgers and comfort favorites ranging from $10–$17, honoring over 60 years of tradition.
- Breakfast & Combos: Hearty, homestyle breakfasts starting at $8, served all day.
- Catering & Events: Custom menus and packages beginning at $12 per person, perfect for any gathering.
- Specials & Rewards: Daily deals and exclusive offers through our new digital payment and loyalty program.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://olympicflameburgers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olympicflameburgers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Olympic-Flame-Burgers-61552552381747
Image Credits
Image Credits:
Gilda Ortega-Jha
Bhavesh Jha
Maya Jha
Ziva Jha
Olympic Flame Burgers Team
Knowlwood Restaurant Archives
