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 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.
“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.”
