I’m an entrepreneur who has built a career on turning what others see as impossible into sustainable business systems.

(01)

My name is Gulbanu Maigarina.

I am an entrepreneur, Chairman of the SME Development Committee of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Atameken, a Member of its Presidium, and President of the Central Asian Association of Franchising.

(02)

To me, business has never been just about restaurants. It is about people, growth, and responsibility. It is about creating opportunities, building strong teams, and developing business models that can be scaled, replicated, and sustained over the long term. I believe that a country's long-term prosperity depends on the strength of its entrepreneurs. Alongside growing my own companies, I work to represent and advance the interests of businesses through Kazakhstan's National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, helping shape initiatives that support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

(03)

That commitment naturally led me to franchising. As President of the Central Asian Association of Franchising, I focus on building transparent, sustainable franchise models that enable entrepreneurs to expand faster while reducing risk.

(04)

This vision also inspired KazBrand, a national business reality competition created to help entrepreneurs transform promising local businesses into strong, scalable brands. The project provides participants with practical expertise, proven business tools, and access to experienced mentors.

(05)

Today, the Lanzhou restaurant network employs more than a thousand people, and our team continues to grow. As we expand into new markets, we are building an ecosystem where brands, franchise partners, and people grow together.

(06)

My goal is to bring Kazakhstani brands to the global stage and demonstrate that businesses from Central Asia can compete successfully and earn international recognition.
My mission is to unite people around timeless values—hard work, trust, and genuine passion for what they do. I believe these are the foundations on which enduring brands are built.

LANZHOU

Lanzhou is a fast-casual Asian restaurant chain built around authentic flavors, operational excellence, and continuous innovation. Our mission is to create a high-performing hospitality company by combining a distinctive product with advanced IT solutions, modern management practices, and a passionate team of professionals.

Today, Lanzhou continues to expand across Kazakhstan and Central Asia, operating more than 60 restaurants in four countries. Our success is driven by a proven business model, experienced leadership, and a commitment to consistent quality and sustainable growth.

  a turnkey restaurant solution launched in as little as 60 days;
  flexible business formats, from full-service restaurants to compact street concepts;
  an expected investment payback period of 12–18 months;
  operating profitability of 20–25%.
When you join Lanzhou, you become part of a growing international family that values quality, innovation, entrepreneurship, and a genuine passion for great food.

Our mission is to bring people together through a shared love of great food!

The Committee brings together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government representatives to develop practical solutions that support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improve Kazakhstan's business environment.

Committee Chair

As Chair of the SME Development Committee of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken, I contribute to shaping policies and strategic initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the SME sector.

Public–Private Dialogue

We facilitate constructive collaboration between the business community and government institutions, participate in legislative discussions, and develop practical recommendations based on the needs of entrepreneurs.

SME Support

We work to create conditions that enable sustainable business growth, improve competitiveness, and help small and medium-sized enterprises scale successfully.

Entrepreneurial Expertise

Every initiative developed by the Committee is grounded in the real-world experience of entrepreneurs and reflects the evolving needs of the business community.

National Initiatives

We support projects that strengthen domestic brands, promote entrepreneurial capabilities, and contribute to the long-term development of Kazakhstan's business ecosystem.

Protecting Business Interests

We advocate for reducing administrative barriers, improving the tax and regulatory framework, and protecting the rights and interests of entrepreneurs.

SME Development Committee of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken

The Association welcomes companies that are committed to growth, innovation, and international expansion.

Our Vision

To unite business leaders and create a dynamic platform for the development of franchising across the region.

Our Mission

To build a sustainable franchising ecosystem in Kazakhstan and throughout Central Asia.

Supporting Franchisors and Franchisees

We help businesses develop, scale, and adapt franchise concepts to meet the needs of regional markets and achieve long-term success.

Connecting Experts and Businesses

We bring together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and organizations to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and create long-term partnerships.

Advancing the Franchising Industry

We promote modern business models, international best practices, and professional standards that drive the sustainable growth of franchising.

Central Asian Association of Franchising (CAAF)

KAZBRAND is a unique platform dedicated to discovering, developing, and promoting Kazakhstan's most promising brands and business ideas.

The competition was first launched in Kazakhstan in August 2025 and has since become a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, creative teams, and emerging business leaders who are ready to showcase their ideas on a national stage. The most promising projects receive professional support in developing and scaling their businesses through the creation of a franchise model.

KAZBRAND is more than a competition—it's an opportunity to transform a promising idea into a sustainable business, successfully bring it to market, and pave the way for international recognition.

KazBrand — National Brand Competition

I am a member of the Public Council of Almaty, a role that I consider both a great honor and a significant responsibility. As a member of the Council, I contribute to discussions on the city's key development priorities, helping shape recommendations to improve the urban environment, strengthen entrepreneurship, and advance initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the people of Almaty.

Being a member of the Public Council of Almaty gives me the opportunity to help shape the future of our city in a meaningful way. I want to see Almaty continue to grow as a city where people can live, work, innovate, and build their dreams. When experts, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens come together with a shared purpose, we create a modern, open, and welcoming city—one where everyone feels they truly belong.

Public Council of Almaty

I serve as an Advisor to the Self-Regulatory Organization of the Foodservice Industry of Kazakhstan. To me, this role is more than a title—it is an opportunity to contribute to the development of an industry that has a direct impact on people's quality of life. In this capacity, I combine the perspective of a strategic advisor with the experience of a hands-on entrepreneur.

Together with the organization, we work to:

• establish unified standards for quality and food safety across the industry;
• support entrepreneurs in adapting to evolving market demands and best practices;
• strengthen collaboration between the business community and government institutions;
• create the conditions for sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term development within Kazakhstan's foodservice and restaurant sector.

Self-Regulatory Organization of the Foodservice Industry of Kazakhstan

I founded WOMEN ASIA as a community where women across Central Asia can find strength, support, and new opportunities. My vision is to create a space where every woman feels safe to be herself, share her challenges openly, and discover the encouragement, knowledge, and connections she needs to grow—both personally and professionally.

To me, WOMEN ASIA is more than a community—it is a movement. It empowers women to embrace both their values and their ambitions, achieve financial independence, and become part of a network that is transforming the lives of thousands of women across Kazakhstan and beyond.

At WOMEN ASIA, members gain far more than knowledge—they become part of a powerful network of women who inspire, support, and empower one another.
Our community offers practical learning in areas such as psychology, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, while connecting members with experienced mentors, industry experts, and like-minded women. We also help women discover new income opportunities, transform their talents into sustainable businesses, and build lasting careers.

WOMEN ASIA.
A Community of Women Leaders

Ready to take your business to the next level? I help entrepreneurs see their businesses from a new perspective, identify untapped opportunities, and build strategies for sustainable growth. A personal consultation is the first step toward transforming your business into a recognizable brand with a clear market position and long-term profitability.

Together, we will identify what truly sets your product and business apart from the competition and determine how to communicate its unique value clearly and convincingly to your customers.

Together, we will build a clear and transparent financial model that reveals your business’s true profitability, highlights key performance indicators, and identifies the strongest opportunities for growth.

Together, we will define the most promising directions for growth and develop a strategic roadmap that strengthens your business, builds resilience, and creates a foundation for long-term success.

We will help turn your business idea into a scalable franchise model designed to operate successfully across different markets and attract the right partners.

2021

Awarded the "30 Years of Independence of Kazakhstan" commemorative medal

ChocoFood Awards, 2021

2022

2022

Awarded the Certificate of Honor of the President of Kazakhstan for outstanding public service and civic leadership

KazFranch, 2019

Winner of the Breakthrough of the Year award at the KazFranch Franchise Exhibition, part of the ULTTYQ ÓNIM exhibition

2023

2024

Awarded the Order of Qurmet, one of Kazakhstan's highest honors, for outstanding contributions to Kazakhstan's development

2025

2023

Moscow, 2021

Vavilon Teens is a youth club for children and teenagers aged 7 to 17. Its mission is to develop a confident, self-aware, and well-rounded generation of the future in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Today, the project involves more than 400 children.
Every month, the club organizes 30 to 40 educational, personal development, and social events.
The project's key goal is to create an environment where teenagers grow into happy, thoughtful, and socially responsible individuals.

Vavilon Teens

Lanzhou proudly sponsors Kazakhstan's first professional strength athlete, Almat Dzhumanov, internationally known as Qazaq Titan.

His achievements have earned global recognition, including a place in the World Records for pulling a 20-ton AN-72 aircraft and a decisive 30-second knockout victory over the widely known "Iranian Hulk," Sajad Gharibi. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting strength, resilience, perseverance, and the spirit of Kazakhstan, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence on the global stage.

Qazaq Titan

RESTO is Kazakhstan’s largest annual professional platform for leaders and experts across the restaurant and hospitality industries, bringing together participants from Kazakhstan and international markets.

The forum is designed to foster the exchange of practical expertise, build strategic partnerships, and create high-impact collaborations among business owners, equipment and service providers, industry experts, and HoReCa professionals.

RESTO Forum for Restaurateurs and Hoteliers

Projects led by Gulbanu Maigarina regularly support social and charitable initiatives across Kazakhstan. Key efforts have included:

Social Impact and Philanthropy

The Foodservice Association is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the restaurant and foodservice industry through higher standards, collaboration, and sustainable business development.

The Association supports its members by:

• helping restaurants and cafés implement internationally recognized quality standards;
• promoting exceptional guest experiences and service excellence;
• fostering long-term, trusted partnerships across the industry;
• encouraging the professional growth of hospitality teams while recognizing and rewarding their contribution.

Foodservice Association

Your information will remain confidential and will never be shared with third parties.

Submit your details, and I’ll get in touch with you.

GULBANU
MAIGARINA

Contacts

Contacts

Partnership Opportunities +7 708 511 52 52

Lanzhou Franchise +7 747 111 3350

Careers at Lanzhou +7 777 738 97 13

Central Asian Association of Franchising +7 771 700 5477

Women Asia Community +7 708 111 5252

© 2026. All content on this website is the property of the copyright holder.

En