He was offered free food from dozens of restaurants across the city, a luxury penthouse, a houseplant and undisclosed millions. But once Kawhi Leonard decided not to re-sign with the Raptors, the Toronto businesses that joined the Ka’wine and Dine campaign in an effort to keep the NBA finals MVP in town maintained that it was all worth it in the end.“I don’t think it was a failure at all,” said Raj Singh Ghuman, the owner/manager of Bombay Bhel in Thornhill. “We got our championship.”Ghuman was quick to put up a Ka’wine and Dine sticker at his restaurant and said it was a big conversation starter as entire families of Raptors fans came in to eat. Ghuman even streamed the playoff games on his tablet for the kitchen staff during the finals.“My staff was very passionate about the Raptors during the playoffs,” he said. “Everyone was in a good mood. Not only Toronto, but all of Canada.”A longtime Raptors fan who travelled to Milwaukee, Wisc., and Oakland, Calif., to see the Raptors during their playoff run, Ghuman would have loved if Leonard had stayed, but doesn’t see his departure as the end of the Raptors’ success.“What’s that saying? In Masai we trust. I’m sure he’ll make the right moves,” said Ghuman of Raptors president Masai Ujiri. “We’re creating a culture of excellence. That’s what winning does.”When Michaela French arrived at work on Saturday, she got word from her manager at the Rex on Queen St. W. that the Ka’wine and Dine stickers had to come down.“It was with a sad face,” said the hotel receptionist. “We did it especially because we were right around the corner from the Raptors parade and we were hoping he’d come in.”While Leonard himself was a no show, the concert venue and hotel did have a Raptors giveaway for fans who came in wearing team gear. “It was really fun. We were excited ...
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