Arsalan Ali

Managing & Founding Partner Chop Chop Wok · Self-employed Jul 2015 – Present · 10 yrs 3 mos | Pakistan Founder and operator of Chop Chop Wok, one of Pakistan’s top Pan-Asian restaurant brands. Over the past 10 years, I have led the brand’s growth from a single outlet to five successful locations across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Responsibilities & Achievements: • Established and scaled Chop Chop Wok into a leading Pan-Asian chain, recognized for quality, consistency, and innovation. • Expanded into large-scale catering, making Chop Chop Wok one of the few Pan-Asian brands in Pakistan successfully operating in both restaurant dining and corporate/private catering. • Built and managed end-to-end operations including P&L, supply chain, marketing, and HR. • Developed franchise and expansion strategies while maintaining strong brand standards. • Trained and mentored high-performing teams, ensuring operational excellence across all stores. • Introduced new menu concepts and retail product collaborations, driving customer loyalty and visibility.

Head of Operations Ocean Mall & Office Tower Mar 2015 – Jun 2017 · 2 yrs 4 mos | Karachi, Pakistan Oversaw operations for one of Karachi’s premier retail and commercial destinations, Ocean Mall & Tower, a multi-use property combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and corporate offices. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Directed day-to-day operations across retail, office tower, and facilities, ensuring smooth functioning for multiple of tenants and thousands of daily visitors. • Implemented SOPs for safety, security, housekeeping, and engineering services, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced operational downtime. • Coordinated closely with leasing, marketing, and tenant relations to maximize footfall and enhance tenant satisfaction. • Managed budgets, contracts, and vendor negotiations, delivering cost savings and improved service quality. • Led a multidisciplinary team of managers, technical staff, and support services, driving accountability and performance standards. • Successfully supported marketing and promotional activities, increasing mall visibility and boosting retail traffic year on year.

Country Head – Pakistan Johnny Rockets May 2014 – Mar 2015 · 11 mos | Karachi, Pakistan Led the Johnny Rockets in Pakistan, overseeing all aspects of brand introduction, store openings, and operational setup. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Successfully opened multiple Johnny Rockets outlets in Karachi, establishing the brand’s footprint in Pakistan within the first year of operations. • Managed the complete pre-opening process: site selection, design approvals, construction timelines, and vendor coordination. • Recruited, trained, and developed more than 200 team members, ensuring alignment with international brand standards. • Set up supply chain, vendor contracts, and operational systems to localize the U.S. brand for the Pakistani market while maintaining global quality benchmarks. • Implemented SOPs for customer service, kitchen operations, and health & safety to ensure a seamless customer experience from day one. • Acted as the key liaison between the U.S. franchisor and local ownership, ensuring brand consistency and compliance across all operations. ⸻

Senior Manager Operations Dolmen Group (Dolmen Mall Clifton & Harbour Front Office Tower) Jun 2012 – May 2014 · 2 yrs | Karachi, Pakistan Played a pioneering role in setting up and leading operations for Dolmen Mall Clifton and the adjoining Harbour Front Office Tower, one of Karachi’s largest and most prestigious retail and commercial destinations. Worked closely with COO Brad (Australia) and ownership to design and implement the operational systems that became the foundation for the mall’s long-term success. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Established the operational framework for Pakistan’s first international-standard mall and office tower, covering safety, security, housekeeping and customer service. • Oversaw daily operations across retail, food & beverage, entertainment, and corporate spaces, ensuring seamless functioning for multiple tenants and thousands of daily visitors. • Partnered with leasing and marketing teams to drive traffic growth and stage large-scale events, positioning Dolmen Mall Clifton as Karachi’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination. • Built strong relationships with tenants and corporate clients, creating a tenant service model that delivered consistently high satisfaction levels. • Managed budgets, vendor contracts, and cost controls, ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining international service standards. • Provided liaison and leadership to technical, engineering, and operational staff, embedding SOPs and accountability structures that kept the property running at optimal performance. • Temporarily also held the position of Senior Manager – Tenant Relations across Dolmen’s three malls, managing tenant communication, satisfaction, and issue resolution to strengthen long-term partnerships.

General Manager Operations Nando’s Pakistan (Tapal Group – Franchise of Nando’s International) [4 Years] | Pakistan As GM Operations of Nando’s Pakistan, I was responsible for scaling operations, strengthening profitability, and ensuring the brand’s success in the local market in line with international standards. Key Achievements: • Business Growth: Delivered consistent year-on-year growth with notable increases in both revenue and profitability within 4 years through strategic planning, operational excellence, and disciplined cost management. • Team Leadership: Led a workforce of 300+ employees through 5 direct reports, creating a performance-driven culture and introducing a pay-for-performance compensation model that improved engagement and results. • Expansion & Market Presence: Increased the number of outlets from 4 to 7, including entry into a new city (Islamabad), while driving like-for-like performance at existing locations. • Financial Management: Re-negotiated lease rentals to secure long-term savings and implemented stronger financial and budgetary controls across the business. • Brand & Standards: Maintained strict adherence to Nando’s International Brand Operating Standards, positioning Pakistan operations among the region’s most consistent performers. • Recognition: Motivated and guided the team to earn multiple international franchise awards and recognition, highlighting operational excellence and team commitment.

Head of Corporate, Retail & Hospitality Sales Makro Pakistan [2 Years] | Pakistan Led a team of 50 managing Rs. 1.5 billion in annual sales, responsible for bulk/corporate, retail, and hospitality channels. Delivered 40% of Makro’s total sales through aggressive sales and marketing strategies. Key Achievements & Responsibilities: • Drove customer, product, and market development, expanding Makro’s footprint and market share. • Directed telesales and field sales teams, achieving consistent sales growth and improved customer activation. • Executed marketing and sales plans aligned with customer needs, strengthening loyalty and retention. • Implemented sales forecasting, stock planning, and supplier development to improve efficiency and margins. • Trained and developed sales staff through the Field Capability Scorecard, enhancing team performance.

Store Manager Starbucks – Dubai (Alshaya Group) [4 Years] | Dubai, UAE Managed and operated one of Starbucks’ highest-performing stores in Dubai, including the flagship outlet at City Centre, consistently ranked as the #1 store in the region. Key Achievements & Responsibilities: • Delivered excellent P&L results by driving sales growth, controlling costs, and maximizing operational efficiency. • Played a key role in the opening of several new Starbucks stores across Dubai, ensuring smooth launches and staff readiness. • Trained, coached, and developed high-performing teams, building a strong service culture that aligned with Starbucks’ global standards. • Maintained top scores in customer service, compliance, and brand audits, ensuring consistent excellence in operations. • Recognized for building loyal teams and strong customer connections, which contributed to repeat business and store success.

Food and Beverage cost control and maintaining P & L .

Restaurant Manager / Pioneer Team – McDonald’s Pakistan McDonald’s Corporation 1997 – 2000 | Karachi, Pakistan Joined the pioneering management team that launched McDonald’s in Pakistan, playing a key role in establishing the foundation of the country’s modern quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Key Achievements & Highlights: • Opening Team: Part of the core team of managers for McDonald’s first store in Pakistan (1998), and later appointed Restaurant Manager for the second store. • International Training: Completed 10 months of intensive training in Kuala Lumpur, rising from crew to Restaurant Manager through an accelerated program. Selected for further development at Hamburger University (USA) alongside other top colleagues. • Operational Excellence: Maintained strict controls on food cost, variance, and P&L while ensuring compliance with McDonald’s global standards. • System Building: Contributed to introducing world-class QSR systems, processes, and customer service culture that transformed Pakistan’s food & beverage landscape.

Australian Coffee Shop in Singapore. I managed the day to day Operations of the coffee shop/restaurant. 210 covers. This is the first place I learnt about the art of coffee.