Press Release

ATLANTA (May XX, 2016) – At just 22 years of age, Shameet Desai is not letting youth stand in the way of his dream to own his own business. Desai recently signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Huddle House, becoming one of the chain’s youngest franchisees.

 

Desai, who is partnering in the business with his uncle and aunt, Dr. Ravin Talati and Sameera Gujarathi, plans to open restaurants in Gainesville, Athens and Braselton, Ga., over the next three years.
 
A recent graduate of the C. T. Bauer College of Business at The University of Houston in Houston, Texas, with a major in finance and minors in accounting and marketing, Desai said it was his uncle who inspired him to pursue business ownership. Dr. Talati is a Family Practice doctor who started his own business — a family and immediate care center — in 2012 in Demorest, Ga.

 

“My uncle has always been an inspiration to me,” Desai said. “His life is proof that hard work gets you far.”

 

Desai spent much of his winter break researching various franchise opportunities before approaching his uncle about becoming his business partner. Together they decided Huddle House was the perfect opportunity for a family business.

 

“Shameet and Ravin have a strong community focus and family values that parallel the values of Huddle House,” said Vice President of Franchise Development Christina Chambers.  “We are excited to have them as part of the Huddle House family and we know their restaurants will become special destinations in each of the communities.”
 
Desai joins Huddle House as the iconic breakfast-focused franchise known for serving “Any Meal, Any Time” has more than 400 restaurants open or under development and has announced plans to significantly accelerate its unit growth over the next three to five years.

 

Typically open 24 hours, Huddle House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. This unique offering recently placed Huddle House on Small Business Trends’ list of 20 Unique Restaurant Opportunities for Foodie Business Operators. The menu offers a mix of Southern inspired comfort food, including signature Big House breakfasts, crispy hash browns, creamy grits, golden waffles and fluffy omelets, all made to order. Other favorites include Big Bold Burgers, Big House sandwich platters, country fried steak with green beans and marinated grilled chicken with sweet potato fries.

 

The core values on which Huddle House was founded – serving freshly prepared, quality home-style food in a warm friendly environment that brings the community together – are as true today as they were more than 50 years ago.