“I do work a couple of shifts in the stores in each one of my stores every week… I like talking to people and Zambrero allows me to be in front of people and talk to them and find out about people and their stories.”

Deepal Kandola, owner of Zambrero North Perth, Subiaco, and Nedlands, was awarded Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year 2024 — and it’s clear why. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to his team and customers, Deepal exemplifies what it means to lead from the ground up.

When asked what made him apply, Deepal shared:
“I got to know about you guys earlier on in the year when we opened the Nedlands store, and after doing a bit of research, I wish I’d known about you guys when I had actually purchased all of my three stores… I thought, why not? Might as well throw [my] hat in the ring ’cause you never know what’s going to happen.”

As for the application process?
“There was a funny story about this actually… Mark called me up at 1.30 saying, you haven’t put your application in. And I was driving between the two stores delivering some stock. I said, Mark, give me 15 minutes and I’ll get it done… it took me no more than 20 minutes to finish the application and got it in just before the deadline of 2 o’clock.”

And to those considering entering this year:
“No, 100%. If you think you want to apply, I would strongly suggest apply. We had an awesome time at the awards night, got to network, got to meet a lot of people. And that’s what I believe business is. It’s about networking, aligning yourself with others in a similar position.”

Congratulations again, Deepal — and to those managing multiple sites or thinking of entering, take it from this year’s winner: “If you put your mind to it and actually get it done, it actually doesn’t take that long.”

Applications for the 2025 WA Franchise Awards close Friday 1 August 2025 – 2:00 PM AWST

Apply now: franchisingwa.com.au/industry-awards-western-australia-2025/categories.html