A businessman who opened his first McDonald's in Hounslow has risen to become the firm's biggest UK franchisee - and hopes to expand his golden arches empire to 50.
Prashant 'Pru' Naik launched his first outlet in Hounslow High Street on September 22, 1996, and now runs 24 stores in the south east.
The 44-year-old said: "I always wanted to be my own boss but I realised the big brands were taking over the high street so becoming a franchisee was the ideal option," he said.
Pru was born in Zambia and moved to Surrey in the 80s, opening a chain of five convenience stores before selling up and applying for a McDonald's franchise.
Having made it through the gruelling inter-view process - there are 1,000 applicants for every opening - he spent nine months training on the shop floor in Guildford before being handed the keys to the Hounslow store.
"It was a big deal to become a franchisee, especially after tripping out the whole kitchen by double-brewing the coffee on my first day in Guildford," he said.
Pru's initial aim was to have five restaurants within five years, but he struggled at first as the growing coffee house culture and the trend for healthy eating rocked the fast food chain.
However, the company hit back, introducing fruits and salads and swapping its cheap plastic seating for comfy green chairs, while Pru even decorates his stores with flowers and candles.
The credit crunch has also proved a blessing in disguise, with year-on-year sales up 15 per cent last month across Pru's stores as shoppers tighten their purse strings.
But, despite managing 1,300 staff at stores boasting an annual turnover of nearly £40 million, Pru - whose favourite dish is Filet-O-Fish - still loves working on the front counter.
"I can still rustle up a Big Mac, even though I can't cook to save my life at home," said the model helicopter enthusiast.
