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In this special edition of Franchisee First Magazine, we spotlight the
bold spirit, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive that denes today’s most inspiring franchise leaders.
Our cover story features Joey Antwi Kusi, whose journey from Ghana to Canada and rise through the McDonald’s system is nothing short of remarkable. Joey’s story is a powerful reminder that ambition knows no boundaries when paired with discipline, humility, and vision. His commitment to people-rst leadership, operational excellence, and community upliftment is what truly sets him apart.
Inside, we also bring you the journeys of Chirag Pandit and Sandip Sharma—two franchisees who have carved their own unique paths in the QSR world. Chirag’s passion for innovation and customer service excellence is matched by Sandip’s operational mastery and deeprooted connection with his community. Both stories reect the evolution of franchise ownership—not just as a business, but as a platform for purpose-driven leadership.
This edition celebrates not only franchisees who are thriving today, but also serves as a guide for those on the path toward ownership. Through their stories, we hope to inspire, educate, and reafrm the belief that great businesses begin with great people.
Here’s to those who dare to build, lead, and serve—with purpose.
Warm regards,
Rohit Shinde Editor-in-Chief Franchisee First Magazine
Joey Antwi Kusi
Franchisee at McDonald’s
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Sandip Bhatia - Owner | Operator At McDonald's Restaurants Of Canada 32.
The UPS Store: A Convenient Retail Franchise Revolutionizing Small Business Solutions
Chirag Pandya - Franchisee At McDonald's
Anisha Sharma - Franchisee at McDonald's
A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT: FROM CREW MEMBER TO FRANCHISEE
Joey’s journey with McDonald’s began years ago, not as an owner, but as a Customer Care Assistant in the UK. That experience planted the seed for what would become his entrepreneurial dream.
Becoming a franchisee a decade later was a full-circle moment for him. The transition required meticulous preparation, including studying the McDonald’s system, building industry relationships, and securing financial backing. His first store was not just an acquisition but a statement of his commitment to building a bestin-class operation.
Navigating Challenges: The Shift from Corporate to Franchising
While Joey’s corporate experience provided a strong foundation, the shift to franchise ownership presented unexpected challenges.
In consulting, he was accustomed to advising on strategies, whereas in franchising, he had to implement them daily. Leadership in the restaurant industry required a hands-on approach, involving frontline management, real-time decisionmaking, and problem-solving. Unlike corporate projects with structured timelines, running a restaurant required agility and quick execution.
For Joey, success in franchising is built on daily operational discipline and strong leadership at every level.
SANDIP BHATIA
BUILDING MORE THAN BURGERS:
SANDIP BHATIA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL RISE WITH MCDONALD’S IN CANADA
OWNER | OPERATOR AT MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS OF CANADA
As for what’s next, Sandip sees continued growth within the McDonald’s system. He remains fully invested in expanding his footprint while deepening the impact of his existing restaurants.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built, but the journey is just beginning,” he says.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Franchisees
From his entrepreneurial journey, Sandip has learned that adaptability, financial acumen, and relationship-building are essential for success.
“Do your homework before entering a franchise. Understand the brand and be ready to commit. And most importantly—keep learning.”
He encourages professionals transitioning into franchising to think long-term, prepare for challenges, and never underestimate the value of teamwork.
Lessons in Leadership:
How Chirag Pandya Built a Thriving McDonald’s Business
With such a dynamic career, maintaining personal well-being is crucial. Pandya follows a strict morning routine, waking up at 5 a.m. for gym sessions followed by cold showers. This practice gives him clarity, focus, and resilience to tackle daily challenges.
His philosophy is simple: approach everything with passion, lead with integrity, and never stop learning from people.
Final Thoughts
Chirag Pandya’s journey is a testament to strategic vision, adaptability, and perseverance. His story exemplifies how resilience, continuous learning, and people-centric leadership can drive success across industries. From pharmacy to franchising, he has proven that with the right mindset and determination, any dream is within reach.
FROM FINANCE TO FRANCHISE:
Anisha Sharma’s Journey to McDonald's Success
“Having explored various franchising opportunities, McDonald’s stood out due to its robust framework, infrastructure, and support.”
— Anisha Sharma
Anisha Sharma, Franchisee at McDonald's
From Finance to Franchise: Anisha Sharma’s Journey to McDonald's Success
“This journey is always evolving, and there is always something new to learn. Resilience, humility, and tenacity are essential traits for success in franchising.” — Anisha Sharma
“Success means having a positive impact on those around me and creating an environment where people can be their best selves.” —
Anisha Sharma
From Finance to Franchise: Anisha Sharma’s Journey to McDonald's Success
REFLECTIONS ON CAREER TRANSITION
Looking back, Sharma has no regrets about her career transition. “Every setback is a lesson,” she says. The pandemic, which initially seemed like a setback, gave her purpose and direction. Within two years, Sharma has achieved the milestone of owning three McDonald’s restaurants, a testament to her hard work and the support she received from McDonald's.
Evolving Perspectives on Success
For Sharma, success extends beyond nancial metrics. “Success means having a positive impact on those around me and creating an environment where people can be their best selves,” she reects. Her role as a McDonald’s Franchisee has also allowed her to give back to the community, such as sponsoring a local women’s football league.
Anisha Sharma’s journey from nance to franchising with McDonald's exemplies how pursuing one's passion, leveraging past experiences, and maintaining a commitment to excellence can lead to fullling and impactful success.
