A Passion for Hospitality Built Around the Family Table
For Khan, hospitality started long before he entered the restaurant industry.
"My hospitality career started at home, around big family Sunday lunches where the food and service standards were high. The entertainment was hilarious, and looking after our little ones and elders was expected. That is where the backbone of my guest experience philosophy was built, and I still draw from it today."
That passion led him to an impressive international career. Rather than travelling the world as a backpacker, Khan travelled as a hospitality leader.
He became General Manager of the internationally acclaimed Matterhorn restaurant at just 24 years old, before launching a New Zealand beef-and-lamb restaurant chain in China. Along the way, he has opened and operated numerous award-winning restaurants, including several on the Cuisine Top 50 list.
"My success has always been achieved one table at a time, by building teams that deliver genuine, heartfelt hospitality."
Supporting Every Lone Star Restaurant
As National Field Operations Manager for Lone Star New Zealand, Khan works closely with franchisees and restaurant teams throughout the country.
His focus is simple: helping every Lone Star restaurant deliver exceptional guest experiences while continually improving operational standards, staff training, food quality, and creating great places to work.
"I've been with Lone Star for just over a year, and it's been an incredibly rewarding journey."
Whether guests are visiting Lone Star for a family dinner, date night, birthday celebration, lunch with colleagues, or simply craving legendary Redneck Ribs®, Khan's role helps ensure every visit lives up to the Lone Star reputation.
The Lone Star Difference
After working with leading hospitality brands around the world, Khan believes there's something truly special about the Lone Star culture.
"Lone Star has a bit of cowboy magic you can't fake. It's cheeky, generous, loud in all the right ways, and full of people who genuinely care about giving guests a good time."
That personality is something guests experience every day, from the warm welcome at the door to the generous portions served at the table.
"We don't want service to feel polished to the point of being boring. We want warmth, banter, big flavours and a bit of yeeha!"
It's a philosophy that has helped make Lone Star one of New Zealand's most recognisable restaurant brands for nearly four decades.
Proudly New Zealand Since 1988
Khan says what sets Lone Star apart is its authenticity.
"Lone Star is made up of straight shooters who know what matters: best practice, best value for the guest, and looking after people properly."
Even during challenging economic times, Lone Star continues to invest in its people, support its franchise network, and deliver outstanding value for guests.
"After more than 35 years, Lone Star is still proudly New Zealand, still full of character, and still willing to evolve without losing sight of what made the brand special in the first place."
That commitment to Love, Care and Generosity continues to define every Lone Star restaurant across the country.
Khan's Favourite Lone Star Meal
When he's not travelling the country supporting restaurants, Khan enjoys one of Lone Star's classic combinations.
His pick?
A Surf 'n Turf featuring a juicy sirloin steak topped with chilli prawns, garlic butter and crispy Buffs.
To finish, there's only one choice.
"The Jack Daniel's Chocolate Fudge Pudding."
We couldn't agree more.