Interview with Meliha Candir, franchisee of URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries
What was your previous career, and what made you decide to switch to franchising?
Before becoming an URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries franchisee, my husband and I owned a takeaway business. While I loved the food industry, running an independent takeaway came with a lot of challenges. Everything from sourcing ingredients to managing operations felt like a constant uphill battle. After that, I worked as a General Manager at Urban for several years. When the franchise opportunity was announced, I knew I had to go for it. I had always loved the URBAN brand, the food, and the systems they had in place. I saw the potential in the brand and believed in its future, so taking that next step just made sense.
How did your past experience help (or challenge) you in this new role?
Running my own takeaway gave me a strong foundation, but what really helped was my time as a GM at URBAN. I saw firsthand how well the systems worked, how efficient the operations were, and how much support was available. That experience gave me confidence when I became a franchisee because I wasn’t starting from scratch—I was stepping into something I already believed in. That said, transitioning from an employee to a business owner within a franchise model was a shift; suddenly, all final decisions were mine to make, which was both exciting and a bit daunting.
What were the biggest learning curves in running a franchise business?
The biggest adjustment was understanding the financial side of franchising – things like franchise fees, royalties, and balancing profitability while staying true to the brand. Another challenge was shifting my mindset from being a manager to being an owner. As a franchisee, you’re responsible for everything from hiring to marketing to ensuring customer experience stays consistent with the brand’s standards. But the benefit is that you’re never alone. The support from the URBAN team made these learning curves much easier to navigate.
How has franchising changed your work-life balance or future aspirations?
Compared to running an independent takeaway, franchising has given me more structure and balance. The systems in place at URBAN mean that operations run smoothly, and I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every day. It’s still hard work, but I feel like I have more time to focus on growing the business rather than constantly troubleshooting problems. Looking ahead, I see myself expanding and opening more locations. Franchising has shown me that scaling up is possible with the right support and the right brand.
What advice would you give to others thinking about making a similar career change?
If you’re considering franchising, choose a brand that you truly believe in. Your passion for the business will drive your success. Also, don’t underestimate the value of prior experience. Even if you’ve run your own food business before, franchising operates differently. Be open to learning the systems and following the model because that’s where the real benefit of franchising comes in. Finally, don’t be afraid to take the leap. If you’ve done your research and the opportunity feels right, go for it! It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
