Uncle Tony's Kebabs

Uncle Tony's Kebabs (UTK) is a domestic independent specialty fast food retailer in Australia. The company states that it aims to offer a healthier fast food alternative within the Doner kebab range of products.

History
Kebabs were originally introduced in Sydney in 1965 by Tony Khater who used a blend of imported spices and sauces, the concept becoming an instant success. Operating a couple of very successful locations, this famous recipe was later past on to his nephew, Bill Mansour (founder of Uncle Tony's Kebabs) and his siter Rita (Marketing and Brand Development), who introduced the concept into Queensland with the name "Uncle Tony's Kebabs" in 1983, again becoming an instant hit. A second location was introduced in 1986 followed by licensing arrangements (1988) whereby the product was offered through various existing take-away outlets. Success and high product demand quickly lead to the opening of the first franchise in 1992.

Mark Mansour (Bill's son) joined the business in 1994 introducing computerised accounting and distribution systems laying the foundations to support the expansion of the enterprise. After further development of the franchise systems, the company experienced substantial growth and quickly dominated the Queensland market. Mark Mansour was promoted to CFO (1997) and then to CEO (2000) on the retirement of Bill and Rita Mansour.

The system continued to develop the brand name of the product to what has now become UTK, and was recognised as one of Queensland's top 400 privately owned enterprises in the renowned Q400 (amongst other prestigious awards). The company retails through a network of 22 franchised takeaway outlets.

UTK's claim to being a healthier fast food alternative is mainly established through the company's mission statement, which states that the company is "committed to good food, good health and to provide every time to each customer a food experience to set new standards in value, service, cleanliness and quality". This claim has been criticised somewhat by Australia's consumer watchdog Choice, who through food comparison tests agreed that UTK's kebabs look the best on paper but this was mainly because they are much smaller than the competitors.

UTK's length of tenure in the Australian fast food market has made them notable enough to be considered a specific party bound within the wage rate setting mechanism of WorkChoices Australia and, along with Eagle Boys Pizza, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster etc., is included in the bench mark wage setting of the fast food industry through dedicated Fast Food Industry Awards.

UTK was acquired by its largest competitor from NSW, Ali Baba (www.alibaba.com.au) in November 2007.

Queensland
Brisbane
 * Indooroopilly Shopping Centre
 * Westfield Garden City Shopping Centre
 * Westfield Strathpine
 * Caltex Service Centre, Gympie Rd Carseldine

Gold Coast
 * Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
 * Runaway Bay Shopping Village
 * Robina Town Centre
 * Tweed City Shopping Centre

Hervey Bay 
 * Bay Central Shopping Centre

Sunshine Coast 
 * Sunshine Plaza (Located both in the Food Court and in the Food Hall)
 * Kawana Shoppingworld Kawana Waters Shopping World
 * The Wharf, Mooloolaba

Bundaberg 
 * Sugarland Shoppingtown

Mackay 
 * Caneland Shopping Centre

Townsville 
 * Stocklands Shopping Centre

Northern Territory

 * Casuarina Shopping Square

New South Wales

 * Ballina Fair Shopping Centre
 * Lismore Square Shopping Centre

Awards
UTK has won numerous prestigious awards both in Queensland and nationally:
 * 1997 Gold Coast Family Business of the Year - 2nd Generation Australian Family Business of the Year Awards
 * 1998 Queensland State Family Business of the Year - 2nd Generation Australian Family Business of the Year Awards
 * 1998 Gold Coast Business Excellence - 2nd Generation Family Business Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
 * 1998 Gold Coast Business Excellence - Supreme Award Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
 * 1998 Finalist - Australian National Franchise of the Year
 * 1999 Gold Coast Business Excellence – Retail, Wholesale & Distribution over 10 employees – November Winner Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
 * 2000 Australian Family Business of the Year (2nd Generation) Australian Family Business of the Year Awards
 * 2000 Gold Coast Business Excellence – October Winner Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
 * 2003 Q400 - Queensland's top privately owned enterprises Queensland 400
 * 2004 Q400 - Queensland's top privately owned enterprises Queensland 400
 * 2005 Q400 - Queensland's top privately owned enterprises Queensland 400

Voted through consumer surveys:
 * As the best take away on the Gold Coast, (Sea FM Radio)
 * Voted as the best kebab outlet on the Gold Coast (The Gold Coast Bulletin).
 * Recognised as the Healthiest Fast Food Alternative in a special “healthy feature” aired by Today Tonight (Today Tonight).