• About

Our Story of Growth and Grit

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For Zest Group, growth is never just about profitā€”itā€™s about lifting others as you climb.

Zest Group was built on hard work, resilience, and a shared dream. Its founders, Zain Veerani and Jay Shah, came from humble beginnings, with no family fortune to lean onā€”only determination, grit, and a vision for something greater.

Today, Zest Group proudly owns and operates over 20 restaurants and counting. But beyond the numbers, Zain and Jay credit their growth to the people around them. Each restaurant is run by an operating partner who also owns a stake in the businessā€”often someone who started as an employee and worked their way up.

2003
Zain Veerani moves from Nizamabad, Hyderabad to the United States with his family, carrying dreams and determination to build a better future.
2012
Zain works tirelessly as a Dunkinā€™ Donuts crew member, often sleeping at work and putting in 20-hour days. His persistence pays off when he buys his first business within just a year.
2016
Jay Shah, who had been supporting his family since the age of 13, arrives in the U.S. and meets Zain. Starting as a Dunkinā€™ Donuts crew member, Jay quickly rises through dedication. That same year, Zain becomes his mentorā€”and soon his partner.
2017
Zain and Jay co-own their first Dunkinā€™ Donuts store. This marks the start of a powerful partnership fueled by trust, shared values, and the drive to grow.
2022
After successfully building a strong Dunkinā€™ & Baskin-Robbins portfolio, Zest Group brings iconic Indian brands like Kailash Parbat and Jay Bhavani to the U.S. The company grows to 20+ restaurants, empowering employees to become partners and co-owners along the way.
Today & Beyond
Zest Group isnā€™t just about restaurantsā€”itā€™s about people, partnerships, and possibilities. With ventures like Zest Construction and a strong commitment to charity, the journey continues with the same spirit: ā€œTogether We Grow.ā€

A Legacy Built Through Brands

Zest Groupā€™s strength lies in the diversity of its brands. From beloved global franchises to iconic Indian names making their mark in the U.S., each brand represents our commitment to quality, growth, and community.

Together, they showcase our journeyā€”from humble beginnings to building experiences that connect people through food, culture, and opportunity.

Owned Brands
Brand Franchisees
Zest Construction
Zain Veerani

Founder & President

Zainā€™s journey began in 2003 when he moved from Nizamabad, Hyderabad to the United States with his family, carrying little more than hope and ambition. By 2012, he was working as a crew member at Dunkinā€™ Donuts, often sleeping in the office and putting in 20-hour days. Within just a year, his persistence paid offā€”he bought his first business.

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Charities We Support

We proudly support charities that foster hope, education, and community well-being. By giving back, we honor the journey that brought us here and help open doors for others to rise.

Aga Khan Foundation

A global non-profit dedicated to improving quality of life through education, health, rural development, and humanitarian reliefā€”empowering communities to thrive with dignity and opportunity.

Dunkinā€™ Joy in Childhood Foundation

An initiative by Dunkinā€™ that brings joy to children battling hunger or illness, helping them experience happiness and care during lifeā€™s toughest moments.

Jeevdaya Foundation (India)

A compassionate organization in India focused on animal welfare and protection, promoting kindness, medical care, and safe environments for voiceless beings.

Give India

Indiaā€™s largest and most trusted donation platform, connecting donors with credible NGOs to support causes like education, healthcare, and disaster relief across the nation.

#Karma

A movement rooted in kindness and social good, #Karma encourages giving back through community-driven initiatives that spread hope, positivity, and impact.