Young Ones to Watch: Amisha Popatiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Tin Drum Asian Kitchen

Before joining Asian-inspired restaurant franchise Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, Amisha Popatiya worked as a critical care nurse. But she soon discovered that the role didn’t make her happy. “Let me tell you, I was the kind that wanted my doctorate, and I had all these plans, but I learned very quickly that it wasn’t for me. And I should’ve known better, because I do come from a family of entrepreneurs,” she laughed. “Those roots really run deep. Thankfully I found Tin Drum, and I’m so happy now with what I’m doing.”

Popatiya and her husband, Altaf, fell in love with the Tin Drum brand five years ago and joined as franchisees. Now, Popatiya loves inspiring prospective franchisees to take the same path. “There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing other people receive the same opportunity that Altaf and I did, especially since we didn’t have a restaurant background,” she said. “So day in and day out, when I see our franchisees, I see an Altaf and Amisha in them, because we went through that same journey. That’s really why we’re so passionate about franchising — because we can give that same opportunity to others and provide the tools and support for them to pursue their dream.”

Although she loves the restaurant industry, Popatiya believes there is a lack of equal opportunity with certain brands. “Some brands that are serving an amazing product and stand for so much more than just food make it really difficult for the common man to become a part of those brands,” she said. “We love Starbucks, we love Chick-fil-A, and they serve an amazing product; however, it’s very difficult to become an owner/operator of a Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. So what Tin Drum believes in is giving that equal opportunity to anyone who is relentless and really wants to be a part of the brand.”

Watch the full interview with Popatiya above, or click here to watch it on YouTube.