"I started my journey with Domino’s in Catford as a delivery driver. I moved from delivering pizzas to making them, to serving customers, and ultimately learning the business inside out. With persistence and dedication, I advanced to a management position, overseeing the store from opening to closing I genuinely fell in love with the brand, a place that transforms hard work into opportunity and ambition into success." -Dip Dhillon
From Delivery Driver to Franchise Powerhouse: My Journey with My Brother Jit
I’m Dip Dhillon, and together with my brother Jit, we’ve spent over two decades building our path in the franchise industry.
What started as part-time pizza delivery jobs has grown into one of the UK’s most exciting franchise success stories and we’re just getting started.
A Legacy of Resilience
Our family’s story is one of resilience and determination.
My grandfather made the brave decision to leave Punjab, India, for the UK at a time when opportunities were limited and adapting to a new life came with many challenges.
Despite speaking little English and having minimal resources, he was driven by the desire to build a better future for us.
My father, a qualified homeopathic doctor in India, left behind his profession when he moved to the UK.
He began working on construction sites starting as a labourer and eventually working his way up to senior management on major projects. His sacrifices and relentless work ethic weren’t lost on us.
He showed us what it meant to push forward with purpose and integrity, always focused on making sure we had every opportunity possible.
Humble Beginnings
My own journey started early, helping my grandparents on construction sites and farms during school holidays.
These experiences taught me the value of hard work and handson experience.
I enrolled in university but quickly realised that academic life wasn’t the right fit for me.
I enjoyed the social aspect, but I was more driven by practical work and realworld experience.
So, I made the bold decision to leave and jump straight into the workforce.
Everything changed when I started working at the Domino’s store in Catford.
I was immediately hooked by the fastpaced environment and the efficient, highenergy operation especially the make line and delivery systems.
That’s when I knew I wanted to own a Domino’s store one day.
Building a Franchise Empire
That dream took its first steps in 1999 when my manager told me a store was for sale.
I saw an opportunity and went all in. With relentless focus on service and quality, I quickly turned the store around.
In 2001, my brother Jit joined me after graduating.
He brought incredible financial discipline and strategic thinking to the business.
While I focused on operations and team building, Jit handled financials and longterm planning. That same year, we bought our second Domino’s store together.
By 2006, we made the shift from working in the stores daily to focusing on growth. It was the perfect blend my operational experience and Jit’s analytical mindset.
By 2014, we had scaled up to 40 Domino’s stores through a mix of organic growth and acquisitions.
Golden Franny Award – A young Dip Dhillon receiving the Domino’s Golden Franny Award.
It’s an honour bestowed upon the top 1% of Domino’s Pizza franchise owners!
Diversification and Continued Growth
That same year, we expanded into the fitness industry, partnering with Snap Fitness to launch several locations.
Our first gym became the top performing Snap Fitness location worldwide so successful, in fact, that the U.S. CEO visited us to understand what we were doing right.
Then in 2017, we stepped into the premium coffee market by acquiring an 11 store Costa Coffee franchise in the Midlands.
In 2020, we signed an agreement to open multiple German Doner Kebab locations across the UK, further diversifying our portfolio.
Eyes on the Future
Today, Jit and I are as ambitious as ever.
We’re continuing to explore new opportunities within the leisure and hospitality industries, using everything we’ve learned to create longterm value and growth.
Our journey from delivery drivers to leaders of a multibrand franchise group has been shaped by hard work, vision, and the unshakable belief that we could always achieve more.
I hope our story inspires others to pursue their goals with the same drive and dedication.
Jit's Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
If you’re just starting out, here’s my advice:
“You don’t need to know everything right now. Start where you are, use what you have, and learn as you go.
Don’t be afraid to take risks but take smart ones. The key is preparation, research, and resilience.
Surround yourself with people who complement your skills. My brother and I work because we’re different but aligned.
Stay grounded in your values. Our family history keeps us humble and hungry. Let your story fuel your ambition.
Today, Dip and I are still pushing forward. We’re exploring new opportunities in hospitality and leisure, and we’re constantly learning.
Because that’s what entrepreneurship is it’s not a finish line, it’s a mindset.
If our journey from delivery routes and spreadsheets to boardrooms and multibrand franchises teaches anything, it’s that your background doesn’t define your future. Your actions do.“