Tin Drum Asian Kitchen Ownership Team Expands with New Partners

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen founder Steven Chan announced the addition of Altaf and Amisha Popatiya to the company’s ownership team. With a decade of experience as owners and operators in the service and retail industries, the Popatiyas became Tin Drum franchise partners in 2016. Now, as corporate partners, Altaf serves as Tin Drum’s chief operating officer while Amisha utilizes her marketing background as the company’s director of marketing.

Chan and the Popatiyas see Tin Drum’s new ownership structure as an opportunity to triple the time and energy invested into each restaurant location.

Having learned all the ins and outs of the business from the ground up, Altaf and Amisha are also able to provide the necessary support system for getting new franchisees on board.

The Popatiyas’ dedication to the Tin Drum brand began first as adoring customers and then as passionate franchise partners. While in the salon business, Amisha worked near a Tin Drum and patronized the restaurant multiple times a week. “Soon I got Altaf addicted to Tin Drum, too!” she recalls fondly. “We’re very passionate about the culture that Tin Drum offers and the food it serves. Just walking in, we could feel it was unique.”

The duo went on to open their first Tin Drum in Newnan in 2016 and didn’t stop there. “We saw so much potential within the brand with exceptional products. Even though there are only 11 units, Tin Drum has some of the best technology and value systems in place.”

The Popatiyas have now invested in Tin Drum as partners and are taking an active role in shaping the brand. In January 2019, they helped to create a new model for future cafes with the opening of the newest Tin Drum in Decatur, which evokes the hustle and bustle of a classic Hong Kong-style curbside café. Guests can also enjoy new non-bowl items joining Tin Drum’s selection of longtime favorite bowls inspired by the cultures of China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.