Sandip Bhatia, McDonald’s Owner/Operator in Surrey, British Columbia
From managing gas stations and coffee chains to becoming a proud McDonald’s Owner/Operator in Surrey, British Columbia, Sandip Bhatia’s story is one of grit, growth, and community connection. With a deep-rooted passion for operations and leadership, Sandip’s career has taken him across the spectrum of franchising, culminating in his ownership of two thriving McDonald’s restaurants.
From Foundations to Franchising: A Vision Beyond Operations
Before joining McDonald’s, Sandip built a strong foundation by managing franchise brands such as Tim Hortons, A&W, and Petro-Canada. His experience taught him the core principles of running successful businesses—strong operations, team management, and consistent customer service. But he had a larger vision: not just to run businesses for others, but to own and grow something of his own.
“McDonald’s gave me the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned and scale it with global support and long-term growth. It was never about leaving something behind, it was about stepping into something greater,” he shares.
The move was driven by McDonald’s strong brand, structured systems, and community-first approach—values Sandip felt aligned with his own business philosophy.
Overcoming New Challenges with Determination
The transition into McDonald’s franchising came with its own set of challenges. Sandip quickly learned that the operational expectations at McDonald’s were far more rigorous and detailed than other brands he had worked with.
“From food safety to system execution, everything is done to the highest standard,” he explains.
Taking full ownership also meant stepping into the world of financial responsibility, long-term planning, and team development. Sandip embraced these challenges with humility and drive—leaning into the McDonald’s training program, seeking mentorship, and building a dependable team around him.
Leadership in a Fast-Paced Environment
Sandip brings a people-first leadership style to his restaurants, rooted in clarity, recognition, and growth. He believes effective leadership in a high-pressure setting starts with presence.
“I lead from the front. I’m on the floor during peak hours. That presence builds trust.”
His leadership formula includes three essentials: making sure every team member understands their role, recognizing hard work regularly, and creating opportunities for advancement. He strives to build a respectful, positive, and supportive workplace culture.
Achieving Operational Excellence
Sandip’s restaurants have earned top rankings for drive-thru performance and customer satisfaction. He credits this success to team alignment, consistent vision, and cultivating what he calls “positive pressure.”
“We focus on urgency without stress. Speed matters, but never at the cost of accuracy or hospitality.”
His team knows the goal and works collectively toward delivering an exceptional guest experience—fast, friendly, and flawless.
Adapting to Industry Trends and Challenges
The QSR industry is in constant evolution, and Sandip recognizes the pressure operators face today—from rising labor and food costs to changing consumer preferences and third-party delivery disruptions.
“Customers now expect healthy, fast, and sustainable—all at once,” he says. “You have to evolve.”
He believes investing in technology, creating welcoming in-store experiences, and staying agile with menu innovation are critical to staying relevant. In his own business, he focuses on customer convenience and consistent quality while highlighting how McDonald’s as a locally owned brand with deep community ties.
Giving Back to the Community
Community service is central to Sandip’s business values. He runs donation drives for RMHC, organizes food and cash collections for local food banks, and offers free coffee and muffins to volunteers during radiothons.
His restaurants also host “Coffee with Cops” events in partnership with the Surrey Police, support senior events, and sponsor local school programs like Dry Grad. Through these initiatives, Sandip fosters trust, goodwill, and long-standing community relationships.
“McDonald’s isn’t just a place to eat—it’s part of the neighborhood,” he affirms.
Vision for Growth
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.
Next: Lessons in Leadership: How Chirag Pandya Built a Thriving McDonald’s Business