Owning and running a successful franchise comes with its challenges, but it’s also full of benefits and rewards. Learning by doing is a great way to achieve success in your business but also looking to people currently in the role is a great help also. We’ve gone to the field to ask some of our current franchisees to let us in on what makes them successful. Read on to see what they had to say.

Amar Chhina, Harvey’s

Amar Chhina opened his Stoney Creek location in July of 2021. 

“I have been with Recipe for nearly a year and a half, and I have been running my franchise location for nearly one year,” says Chhina. “I have always had the passion to be a part of a brand that showcases its versatility to emerging markets. Franchised business is a well-proven model [because of the] instant brand recognition.”

Chhina has roots in the food franchising universe. “I spent most of my early years managing and developing multi-unit QSR brands. The skills I developed along the way have molded me into the franchisee that I am today.”

When asked about what important lessons he would impart to other franchisees, Chhina focused on preparedness.

“One of the most important lessons that I have learned is that you must be prepared for the unknown and must have the capacity to adapt to situations that go against the normal trends in the market,” he said. 

Chhina also stressed the importance of teamwork, and why you should ask for help.

“Grow and appreciate your team’s work, and success will follow. Take the time to make a team that will treat your restaurant with the same respect that you do. Have a plan and don’t be afraid to ask for help and adjust that plan. Seeking out advice from my fellow franchisees and mentors, and implementing their ideas alongside mine have made my journey less difficult.”

He also reiterated the importance of joining a team that is focused on collective growth.

“We are all here to grow the brand. It’s important to show that you have the passion and drive to stand alongside that brand.”

Vito Romito, Kelseys Original Roadhouse & Montana’s BBQ & Bar

Vito Romito has been a franchisee for over 20 years. He is a multi-unit brand owner, with three Kelseys and three Montana’s locations in the Durham region.

He opened his first Montana’s on November 2, 1999.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own restaurants and was very intrigued by the uniqueness of Montana’s,” explains Romito. “That was my first brand, and then I fell in love with Kelseys as well.”

In his professional life before becoming a Recipe Franchisee, Romito was Senior Director of Operations in Canada for PepsiCo restaurant brands.

When asked the most important lesson he would impart to other franchisees, Romito also focused on building a solid team. “The importance of building a strong team at all levels will allow successful growth at all levels.”

Romito also stressed the hard work involved with running a successful franchise. “Understand the importance of initial commitment required at first, with lots of hard work and hours, however, the outcome will be phenomenal,because the brands are winners!”

Srimathan (Sherman) Rajthiageswaran, Swiss Chalet & Harvey’s

Srimathan Rajthiageswaran owns a Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s combo store in Uxbridge, which he has been running for nearly four years.

“I worked as both manager and general manager at Swiss Chalet before getting my own franchise location,” Rajthiageswaran explains. “While I was working, I wanted to have my own store and worked towards it.” Before opening his first location, he had worked for Swiss Chalet for seven years. Since opening, he has learned a lot.

“The most important lesson I learned is treating your employees right,” he says. “If they are happy, they will perform well at work, which in return will reflect guest experience.”

Rajthiageswaran echoed the sentiment from other franchisees about putting in the work. “You need to have the passion, dedication, and patience to succeed in this industry,” he says.

If it has always been your dream to own a franchise restaurant represented by a strong brand, then we invite you to get in touch with us to guide you through the process. As these successful franchisees will attest, hard work, dedication, and teamwork go a long way.

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