An entrepreneur who has successfully merged property development with franchise operations, Asaad Tariq has created a unique business portfolio that spans real estate, hospitality, and investment. As the Founder of AP Investments, Tariq has overseen numerous residential and commercial projects, generating consistent returns for investors while contributing to local communities.
Additionally, as the Master Franchise holder for Chicking, a fast-growing global QSR brand, the Edinburgh-based multi-faceted leader is helping to shape the future of the quick-service restaurant industry, expanding it across new markets. Under his leadership, Chicking UK was recently shortlisted among the Top 6 Retail Businesses in the UK at the 2025 British Business Awards — a milestone that underscores the brand’s growing presence and impact.
In this exclusive interview with Business Frontier, Tariq reflects on the diverse challenges of leading multi-sector businesses, his strategic approach to growth, and his vision for the future of both property development and franchising. He also shares valuable insights into how his entrepreneurial journey has shaped his leadership philosophy and how he plans to continue scaling his businesses in the years to come.
Q. As an entrepreneur involved in both property development and the expansion of a global QSR brand, how do you balance these two different sectors, and what has been your strategy for success in both?
Balancing these two ventures requires a clear vision and strategic planning. In property development, I focus on creating value through build-to-rent and build-to-sale projects, ensuring strong returns for investors. We’re also involved in commercial property investment with residential development. This includes commercial-to-residential conversions, which requires a lot of attention to detail and understanding of local markets.
On the other hand, my role in franchising Chicking is more operational, focusing on expanding the brand and ensuring each location is run efficiently. We’ve secured prime locations for Chicking, including the first-ever drive-thru in the country, which has been a game-changer. What unites both of these endeavours is the commitment to high-quality standards, whether it’s in the properties we build or the food we serve. Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with Barclays’ Franchise Growth Programme, also play a significant role in ensuring the growth of both businesses.
Q. You’ve had a strong track record in property development. Can you share more about your approach and how you ensure consistent value creation for investors?
At AP Investments, we prioritise high-quality developments that cater to both residential and commercial needs. Our key strategy is focusing on sectors with long-term demand, such as build-to-rent and commercial property investment with residential development, which generate consistent cash flow for investors. We also take a tailored approach with each project, using special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and joint ventures (JVs) to align investor goals with project outcomes. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by our certifications, such as the Q Assure and New Homes Quality Board approvals, ensuring every project adheres to the highest standards.
I believe that building strong, lasting relationships with investors is just as important as the properties themselves. By maintaining open communication and transparency throughout the process, we foster trust and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Q. With your experience in both property development and franchising, how do you see the role of partnerships in growing your businesses?
Partnerships are crucial for growth, whether in property or franchising. In the case of Chicking, our partnership with Barclays’ Franchise Growth Programme has provided us with the support needed to scale the brand rapidly while ensuring long-term commercial growth. In property development, we work with a network of investors and other professionals who bring valuable expertise to the table. The beauty of strategic partnerships is that they allow you to leverage strengths you don’t have internally, enabling faster expansion and more robust outcomes.
For example, our partnerships help us navigate challenges in both local and international markets. In the case of Chicking, franchising in different regions requires understanding local preferences, and having the right partners on board is key to ensuring the brand resonates with diverse audiences.
We also saw an opportunity to merge our property expertise with QSR operations by acquiring prime commercial sites specifically for Chicking franchises. This not only enhanced the brand’s visibility and presence in the UK market but also created added commercial value and stronger returns for AP Investments. It’s a model famously used by McDonald’s to fuel its growth — combining real estate ownership with franchise operations to maximise profitability.
Building on this, Foodfixx Ltd has started receiving interest from large international brands looking to enter the UK market using a similar strategy. These new partnership opportunities reflect the strength of our integrated approach and the scalability of combining real estate and hospitality.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of both the property development and QSR industries?
The future of both industries is exciting. In property development, I see a continued focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory requirements. Projects will increasingly incorporate eco-friendly designs, and we’ll see more developments that blend residential, commercial, and leisure spaces to create communities that offer convenience and lifestyle benefits.
In the QSR industry, there’s a shift towards healthier menu options and more tech-savvy customer experiences. Chicking has always focused on fresh, high-quality food, and we’re adapting to market demands for transparency, healthier choices, and faster, more convenient service. I think the integration of technology will continue to shape how QSRs operate, with innovations in delivery, mobile apps, and online ordering.
Both sectors will also see growth in international markets. For AP Investments, we are exploring new opportunities globally, while Chicking’s expansion into new regions will focus on understanding and responding to local food cultures and dining preferences.
Q. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses across multiple sectors?
The most important thing is to build a solid foundation and focus on quality. Whether you’re in real estate, franchising, or any other industry, make sure you understand your market and your customers. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the fundamentals — delivering quality and maintaining a high level of service — will always drive long-term success.
Another key point is the importance of innovation. The world is changing fast, and businesses must adapt to stay relevant. Leverage technology and be open to new ways of doing business, especially when it comes to customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Finally, build a strong team and create meaningful partnerships. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can help execute it. Business isn’t a solo endeavour — collaboration is key to sustained growth.
Q. What goals do you have for your businesses in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I plan to continue expanding both AP Investments and Chicking. For property development, we’re looking at more international opportunities, with a focus on markets that align with our expertise in residential and commercial properties. We want to provide sustainable, high-quality developments that add value to communities worldwide.
In terms of Chicking, our goal is to expand the brand into new regions and enhance our offerings with an even more customer-centric approach. We’re also exploring new technology integrations to make our operations more efficient and customer-friendly.
The future is all about scaling intelligently and ensuring that every project and franchise we undertake creates long-lasting value. Whether it’s through innovative real estate developments or expanding Chicking to new global markets, we are committed to achieving sustainable growth and making a meaningful impact.
Q. Finally, in your journey as an entrepreneur, what are some key lessons that have shaped your approach to business and leadership?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. Business landscapes are constantly changing, and being able to pivot when necessary is crucial for success. Whether it’s responding to market trends, embracing new technology, or adjusting strategies, adaptability is key.
Another important lesson is the power of relationships. Whether with investors, customers, or partners, building strong, trustworthy relationships is fundamental to sustained growth. The trust we’ve built with our investors and the communities we serve is invaluable.
Recognition is also a powerful motivator — not just for myself, but for the incredible teams I work with. Being named a finalist in the British Business Awards 2025, in association with NatWest, was a proud moment for Chicking UK. What makes it even more meaningful is that the awards are supporting Social Bite, an inspiring charity working to end homelessness through housing, jobs, and dignity. I believe business success should go hand in hand with community impact, and initiatives like these highlight the role we can all play in creating lasting, positive change.
Lastly, the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement cannot be overstated. As an entrepreneur, you should always seek new knowledge and ways to enhance your leadership skills. Never stop growing, both personally and professionally, and always strive for excellence.
