Franchising Powers the American Dream For One Immigrant Entrepreneur The rags-to-riches story of Horatio Alger has long been held out as the ultimate personification of achievement, American-style. A thirst for success is the primary motivating factor that drives thousands of U.S. entrepreneurs. More than money, more than power, it is success in business that they perceive as true fulfillment of "the American dream."

For many entrepreneurs-to-be, the drive to succeed starts young and never lets go. That has certainly been the case for Ketan Babulal Thakkar, a franchisee and the Houston area development agent for New York NY Fresh Deli.

Thakkar set his eyes on the prize at a very early age. As a young boy, he not only decided that he would own his own business someday, he also put a plan in motion to make sure his dream would jump that gap to reality.

The plan itself was simple enough: Get a good education, make some money as a member of the workforce for awhile, then set up shop. In true Horatio Alger style, Thakkar was also bestowed with the virtues and characteristics traditionally valued in America's culture of business success. He was hard-working, honest, determined, committed to increasing his knowledge and exceptionally well organized.

On top of all that, he was devoted to his large, extended family-particularly to his mother, whom he credits with instilling in him all the positive attributes mentioned above. Could anything be more American than that? Is our "successful business owner" simply too clichéd to be believable?

The answer to both questions is a resounding "no," as quickly becomes apparent to anyone who spends some time with Ketan Babulal Thakkar. Don't be fooled by the name or by the fact that he originally hails from Bombay, India. If you want a lesson in how to succeed in business and achieve the American dream, Thakkar is the man to see.

Thakkar was 19 years old and a mechanical draftsman in Bombay when he came face-to-face with an important decision. The United States of America was tugging at his entrepreneurial heartstrings, and he had just received his visa call to fly there. Also calling that same day was the Indian Air Force, with an invitation for the young man to come spend some time in its ranks.

"As usual, my mother played an immense role in helping me make this critical decision," he recalls. "She convinced me that for the success of my family, it would be very sensible to immigrate to the U.S. and begin a new life."

Looking back on that day in 1983, Thakkar knows he made the right decision. "My purpose in coming to the U.S. was for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he says. "I also wanted to get a better education and help my family to settle in the U.S., "the land of opportunities.'"

As has turned out to be the case with most of his undertakings, Thakkar succeeded in achieving both goals. He earned a degree in software engineering from the University of Houston, and today he shares his life with numerous family members.

Among the 18 relatives all living together in one big house are Thakkar's mother, three brothers, a younger sister, and various in-laws, nieces and nephews. He met and married his wife Avani, a physician, seven years ago, and they have two daughters: four-year-old Ekta and three-year-old Anjali.

It's obvious that family plays a central role in Thakkar's life, and that's as true in the business realm as it is on the personal side. It was only a few short years after Thakkar's arrival in the U.S. before his innate entrepreneurial drive began to manifest itself, and family has loomed large in his business ventures since day one.

Construction on the Thakkar business empire commenced about 18 years ago, with the first of a string of convenience stores. Four years later, "Thakkar Inc." acquired a marina, and three years after that a bridal shop. Motels were added to the conglomerate's holdings starting in 2001. Family members and friends have played important roles in every one of those ventures, Thakkar says.

After so many diversified business accomplishments in such a short time, what was left for Thakkar to pursue? Why, the deli business, of course!

"Since 1989, I had a desire to get involved in some kind of a deli concept," Thakkar recalls. At the time, he was working as an engineer at General Dynamics, designing protocol for the F-16 fighter jet. He was also involved in launching and running his other business ventures and had an opportunity to buy a Subway franchise at one point, but he just didn't feel the concept was the right fit for him.

"Finally, in November 2002, I got an opportunity to look at the deli concept once again," he relates. "I reviewed the deli concept of Subway, Quizno's and New York Subs Fresh Deli. I studied all three of them and decided to join New York Subs."

Thakkar cites several factors that "compelled" him to become part of New York Subs, including an excellent food menu of New York-style hot subs, gourmet sandwiches, salads and other upscale items; reasonable franchise fees; limited investment requirements; and the opportunity to introduce an entirely new deli concept to the Houston community.

"Furthermore, successful people like Robert Palmer, Clyde Culp and Gary Palmer, along with their entire supporting cast and their expertise, attracted me to this organization," he says. The item that sealed the deal for Thakkar was the chance to become the Houston area development agent for the now renamed New York NY Fresh Deli concept-an opportunity he describes as "cherished."

While Thakkar is always personally modest and quick to share credit for his success with others, there is nothing modest about his goals as an area development agent for New York NY Fresh Deli. "The opportunities for this franchise are vast in Houston, as they are throughout the U.S. and definitely in overseas markets," he says. "I would like to recruit at least 50 to 75 franchisees in and around Houston over the next six to seven years."

In his first year as a development agent, Thakkar has launched eight New York NY Fresh Deli franchisees on the path to business ownership, but as far as he's concerned, that's just the beginning.

"As a New York NY Fresh Deli franchisee, the opportunities are vast, both here in Houston and throughout the rest of the country, as well as overseas," he says. "This franchise's unique concept offers an upscale menu and decor and targets market segments-such as women, professionals and white collar workers-that historically have been overlooked by conventional sub shop franchises."

Because of that, New York NY Fresh Deli franchisees can open in any prime location in any city or town. Franchisees with other sub shop chains often have to settle for "B" or "C" locations, need to make a larger initial monetary investment and face direct competition from other franchises operating nearly identical formats, Thakkar says.

Thakkar attributes his initial success in the franchise arena to the same characteristics he has brought to his myriad other ventures. "My success in business are based on the U.S. being the land of opportunity and on my hard work, determination, knowledge, honesty and the exceptional organizational skills I inherited from my mother," he says.

"Last but not least, the majority of the credit goes to my family members who have supported me in every step of my life-and are still doing it," Thakkar says. "I would not have accomplished all that I have at this point in my life were it not for the unwavering support of my family.

"My ultimate goal is to make the name and fame of New York NY Fresh Deli in the city of Houston and surrounding towns in Texas," he says. "Further, if possible, I would also like to own some shares in the corporation someday. I definitely feel that I am a part of this great franchise, and I have a sense of belonging in the concept."

Without a doubt, Ketan Babulal Thakkar is entitled to that sense of belonging. Not only is he an integral part of the New York NY Fresh Deli franchise family, he is also a shining example of the kind of drive, determination and strength of character that have made the entrepreneurs of America-a nation of immigrants the very best the world has ever seen.