Understand
From KFC kitchen cleaner to restaurant boss employing 1,500 people
Overview
Acky Khan, who started his career as a teenager cleaning kitchens at a KFC in east London, now employs about 1,500 people across 50 KFC restaurants and 30 Starbucks coffee shops in the UK. Having opened his first franchise in 1996 by risking his home for a bank loan, Khan plans to double his operations within five years. Ahead of the government budget, he is calling for more support for the hospitality sector amid rising costs and pressures.
Key points
- Acky Khan began his career as a teenager cleaning kitchens at a KFC restaurant in east London.
- He currently employs about 1,500 people across 50 KFC restaurants and 30 Starbucks coffee shops in the UK.
- Khan opened his first franchise in 1996 after putting his house on the line to secure a bank loan.
- He faced severe financial pressure during the 2008 financial crash, nearly losing both his home and business.
- Khan hopes to double the size of his business operation within five years.
- He is calling on the government for increased support for the hospitality sector due to rising costs and energy needs.