The 2nd Pepsi British QSR & Franchise Awards are set to shine a spotlight on the innovation and ambition driving the UK’s quick-service sector, this time celebrating the remarkable success stories behind the Growth Brand of the Year category.
Recognising QSR brands that have achieved outstanding expansion, increased market presence, and demonstrated long-term vision, the category highlights the power of growth built on strong leadership and brand identity.
This year’s finalists include:
- Dish’d
- CUPP,
- Coughlans Bakery
- Taka Taka
- Knoops
- Tossed
- Pizza Pilgrims
- The Fat Pizza
- Mr T’s
All of whom have achieved impressive development through new store openings, franchise growth, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The Growth Brand of the Year award celebrates businesses that are scaling with purpose, creating jobs, and strengthening their presence across communities throughout the UK.
From established bakery chains and healthy fast-casual outlets to innovative pizza and dessert brands, the finalists represent the diversity and drive that continue to make the UK’s QSR scene one of the most exciting in Europe.
The Pepsi British QSR & Franchise Awards are dedicated to honouring the people and brands behind the UK’s most successful quick-service and franchise operations. Now in its second year, the event continues to showcase excellence, creativity, and resilience within a thriving industry.
A spokesperson for the Pepsi British QSR & Franchise Awards said: “The Growth Brand of the Year category recognises the businesses that are scaling up with real purpose, those expanding their footprint without losing sight of quality, customer experience, or community values.
Each of these finalists represents what’s best about the UK’s quick-service scene: ambition, adaptability, and a passion for progress.”
The winners will be announced at the Pepsi British QSR & Franchise Awards in January, where leaders from across the food and beverage sector will gather to celebrate the brands setting the pace for growth and innovation in the UK’s ever-evolving QSR market.
Despite the demands of running a rapidly expanding company, Choudhary has learned to find balance, something he didn’t always have. These days, he’s an early riser, front-loading his weekdays with office work before spending afternoons on-site visits and store builds.
Evenings are reserved for football and gym sessions, and weekends are kept for family. “Sunday lunch at my mum’s house—that’s the recharge,” he says with a smile.
Among his proudest milestones is winning an international franchise of the year award earlier in his career, besting competitors across 30 markets, but he’s just as proud of The Sushi Co’s present trajectory. He said: “It’s been incredible to watch it grow. And we’re only getting started.”
When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Choudhary was quick to reply: “Learn to walk before you run. There are no shortcuts. Move with care, build the right team, and think everything through.”
For prospective franchisees eyeing entry into the booming sushi space, The Sushi Co is currently welcoming applications.
Choudhary says: “We’re looking for experienced QSR and business professionals ready to invest in a proven, fast-growing concept. This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the casual dining market, and we’re here to lead it.”
As The Sushi Co expands across the UK, Choudhary is showing that scale doesn’t have to mean compromise. With handcrafted sushi at its core and a franchise model built on training, quality, and support, he’s not just growing a brand, he’s setting a new standard for what fast-casual dining can deliver.
