As a company, we have had a very exciting start to 2026, topped off by a visit to the UK from our East Africa Director, Dan. Preparing to launch HatHats in Uganda, Dan joined us for a week and a half of fact-finding and UK site visits to gain a deeper understanding of how we can replicate the business and its standards in Uganda. Visiting several locations with Operations Manager Hannah also provided an opportunity for him to meet our fantastic staff and learn more about our operations across the business.
Of course, he also had the chance to try our menu and even made his very own pizza with our wonderful manager Mel at Radnor Park. BBQ chicken quickly became a firm favourite during the week, accompanied by his very first vanilla frappe. We also have to mention that Dan’s visit to our Folkestone Leas site marked his first time by the coast—and his first opportunity to touch the sea.
Whilst in the UK, Dan also had the opportunity to speak with our local community about a project very close to his heart – the Grounds For Growth project. In collaboration with the HatHats Foundation, 14 members of HatHats staff will be travelling to Uganda this July to build a barista training academy aimed at supporting deprived communities in Kampala. The aim of this project is to offer a hand up to many people living in poverty who lack access to clean drinking water, education, and sanitation. The hospitality academy will train hundreds of young people for employment in the rapidly growing hospitality and tourism sectors, helping to create meaningful opportunities for their future. We would like to thank all of the local schools and churches that hosted Dan and allowed us to raise awareness of the project. If you would like to learn more or donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/groundsforgrowth
To move closer to our ambitious £50,000 target, the team also hosted a fantastic Charity Quiz Night at Whitstable’s South Quay Shed, featuring raffle prizes, Ovenstone Pizza, and drinks on tap at the Unit 6 Bar. It was wonderful to have Dan in attendance at the event, and we are pleased to share that together we raised an incredible £1,800. We cannot thank all of our quizzers enough for their support – the evening was a sell-out and great fun for everyone involved. Please keep an eye on our social channels for future Charity Quiz Events.
To round off the week, Dan was able to fulfil a lifelong dream by watching Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium. If a photo with Gunnersaurus Rex, a Thierry Henry burger, and an Arsenal win was not enough, the victory also left Arsenal top of the table.
Reflecting on his time with us, Dan said, “All in all my trip has been so fulfilling and I have learnt a lot. I love how space is utilised, how they pay attention to every detail in the business and how customers are treated. I met wonderful people and have learnt a lot from them. It’s so amazing to go home learning how to be more efficient and how to do business differently. I just cant wait for us to start business in Uganda.”
It was an absolute pleasure having Dan with us here in the UK. Our staff were thrilled to meet him, it was fantastic to share the behind-the-scenes of the company, and we are excited to see everything he will achieve in Uganda.
To watch Dan’s visit to the UK in action on our company vlog, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prSiLdAHq5M
Enjoy!
