From Gas Station to Golden Arches: The Inspiring Journey of Anand and Susana Kumar

Anand and Susana Kumar own 17 McDonald’s stores across Northeast Texas. Now, they’re helping boost East Texas A&M students to success. 

Anand and Susana Kumar are an extraordinary couple whose story embodies the transformative power of hard work, education and a fearless entrepreneurial spirit. As immigrants from India and Mexico, they overcame significant challenges to build a successful life together in a new country.

Now, the couple is lifting others to success. Through the Anand and Susana Kumar Scholarship: College of Business Endowment, they will help aspiring business leaders at East Texas A&M gain the education and support they need to pursue their own American Dream.

Laying the groundwork for entrepreneurial success

Twenty-five years ago, Anand (Andy) Kumar was a young lawyer, newly employed by the Supreme Court of India. Before fully diving into his legal career, he decided to take a break and visit the United States—a trip that would change his life forever.

During his visit, the Land of Opportunity beckoned, and Andy decided to stay and pursue a new life in the U.S. He had planned to continue practicing law, but he quickly discovered that doing so would require two more years of education at a cost of $75,000. With only $400 in his wallet, he took a job at a friend’s gas station to start saving.

The work was a far cry from his prestigious role as a government lawyer, but Andy embraced it wholeheartedly. For the next five years, he worked almost nonstop, learning everything about running a gas station—from customer service and maintenance to finance and management.

“I was working seven days a week,” Andy said. “I didn't have days off; I had time off. If I needed to go see a doctor, I'd leave and then come back to work.”

Along the way, he gained a good understanding of American culture as he interacted with people from all walks of life, from people experiencing homelessness to corporate CEOs.

During that time, he met his future wife, Susana, a frequent customer at the convenience store. Susana had emigrated with her family from Mexico to the United States several years prior. The couple’s friendship deepened, and they were married in August 2003. Since then, Andy and Susana have worked side-by-side to care for and support their three children and build a successful life in America. Susana is a strong supporting partner while Andy builds their business portfolio.

Stepping into entrepreneurship

By 2005, after working at the convenience store for more than five years, Andy had become an expert in the business. So, after much contemplation, he deviated from his original plan of returning to law school and decided to become an entrepreneur.

“I bought myself a gas station,” Andy recalled. “I told myself that if I could work so hard for someone else and make their business profitable, why couldn't I do it for myself?”

Although his new business was, as he described it, “very run-down,” Andy felt confident. From his perspective, the company had nowhere to go but up, and he was willing to invest the time and effort to make it happen.

Looking back, he credits higher education for giving him the mindset to move beyond hourly wages and build a better future for his family. He had earned an undergraduate degree in law and a master’s in English in India. That educational foundation, combined with hands-on work experience and a fearless, can-do attitude, equipped him to move forward into business ownership.

Before long, the Kumars owned five profitable gas stations. When the housing market dipped in 2008, Andy invested in single-family homes, duplexes, and multiplexes as rental properties.

The next big step: fast-food franchisee

As his success grew, Andy sought the next challenge: franchising. He set his sights on the McDonald’s Corporation and applied to become a franchisee. Impressed by his work ethic and business acumen, McDonald’s executives approved his application.

After 17 months of rigorous training, Andy was finally ready to operate in the summer of 2017. The McDonald’s corporation offered him two struggling locations in rough neighborhoods—stores other franchisees had passed over. Yet, Andy saw opportunity where others saw failure. He reformed those first two McDonald’s stores into thriving businesses and went on to restore several more. Today, he and Susana own 17 McDonald’s stores across North and East Texas.

Keys to entrepreneurial success

Based on his track record, Andy clearly holds several keys to entrepreneurial success. One is his ability to transform struggling businesses into profitable ones.

“I have never looked at making instant money,” he explained. “I'll put the money into it, and five years, seven years from now, I'll look for profit.”

Another key is his customer service philosophy, which all his employees share.

“Upgrade your customer service and downgrade your expectations from the customers, and you’re not going to fail,” Andy advised. “If a customer comes in and I'm being very respectful and taking care of him, there's no reason for him to get upset. At the same time, I'm not expecting him to be nice to me, but if he is, then it's a win-win!”

Supporting ETAMU's business students

One of the Kumar family’s newest acquisitions is the McDonald’s location across from the East Texas A&M campus in Commerce. Andy and Susana are passionate about supporting the communities they serve, and they jumped at the chance to partner with East Texas A&M to support future business leaders and entrepreneurs through the College of Business.

“What brings me pleasure is being able to do things for others,” Andy said. “What brings me pleasure is hearing that our businesses are doing something for individuals, families, our employees and the community.”

The Anand and Susana Kumar Scholarship: College of Business Endowment will support business students who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing.

“If someone genuinely wants to do something or study something, they should have the opportunity to do so. And if I can facilitate that in some form, I’m all about it!” Andy said.

Andy is particularly interested in the university’s entrepreneur training program, Venture College, which helps students turn their business ideas into market-ready ventures. Preference is given to scholarship applicants who participate in Venture College.

Committed to success

Mr. Scott Wheeler, College of Business advisory board member and chair of the Foundation Board, expressed appreciation for the Kumars' gift.

“We are proud and thrilled that the Kumars have joined with us to help develop our young people into tomorrow’s business leaders,” Wheeler said. “With the insight and example that Andy can provide, our students will be well-positioned for success. We cannot thank the Kumars enough for their commitment to our students.”

Devin Girod, vice president of the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement, said the Kumars’ scholarship reflects their commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.

“Andy and Susana’s generosity has already impacted the students who have been fortunate enough to meet Andy and hear his story,” Girod said. “His work ethic, character, and kindness are universal principles that inspire our students. Hopefully, business students receiving the Kumar scholarship will embody these values in their career journeys.”

Andy and Susana’s story proves that hard work, education, and a fearless entrepreneurial spirit can turn dreams into reality. Their success is measured not just by the businesses they’ve built but also by the opportunities they’re creating for future generations.

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