In a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, Karan Makan has carved out a niche for himself as a visionary leader in the food and beverage sector. As the co-founder of Fraterniti Foods, alongside Rohit Tandon, Karan has successfully steered the company towards becoming a powerhouse of culinary innovation and brand expansion. With ZOCA Café rapidly emerging as India’s Fastest Growing Café Chain and the introduction of high-end concepts like ZYXX, Karan’s journey is a testament to his commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Karan’s inspirations, the driving factors behind his success, and his future plans for Fraterniti Foods.
My Circle Story: What inspired you to launch ZOCA Café, and what vision did you have in mind for it?
Karan Makan: The inspiration to launch ZOCA Café stemmed from a deep passion for creating spaces where people could come together over quality food and drinks, paired with an inviting ambiance. Our vision was to not just open a café, but to build a brand that offered a distinctive experience, blending the best of global café culture with a local, relatable twist. The introduction of our high-end bar segments like ZYXX, Blink, and Hermanos is an extension of this vision. We wanted to create something that pushed the boundaries of the café experience, offering a refined, sophisticated environment for those who seek more than just coffee. We saw a gap in the market for a café-bar hybrid that caters to both the casual café-goer and the discerning patron looking for a premium bar experience. Venturing into the café industry was a natural progression for us, driven by the desire to bring people together in unique, memorable spaces.
My Circle Story: ZOCA Café has seen impressive growth. What do you attribute this success to?
Karan Makan: ZOCA Café’s rapid growth can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, our focus on delivering a consistently high-quality product, from food and beverages to the overall ambiance, has been crucial. We prioritize creating a unique experience for our customers, which keeps them coming back. Secondly, our ability to innovate and adapt to changing market trends has helped us stay ahead of the competition. Consumers today are looking for more than just a cup of coffee—they want an experience, and we’ve worked hard to deliver that. Looking ahead, for our high-end bars and cafés, we will continue to innovate by introducing new concepts, curatingunique menus, and staying agile in response to evolving consumer preferences. Strategic location selection, strong brand positioning, and excellent customer service will remain at the core of our expansion strategy.
My Circle Story: What sets brands like ZYXX apart from others in the market?
Karan Makan: What sets brands like ZYXX apart from Hermanos, CDeli, and others is our commitment to creating a fully immersive and curated experience for our customers. While others may focus solely on product or price, we go beyond that by crafting a distinctive atmosphere, one that resonates with our brand’s identity and values. From the interior design to the curated playlists, everything is carefully thought out to enhance the customer’s experience. Additionally, our attention to detail in terms of product quality, whether it’s our freshly brewed coffee or our artisanal cocktails, is unmatched. We are also deeply committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, which resonates with today’s conscious consumers.
My Circle Story: How do you stay ahead of emerging trends in the café industry?
Karan Makan: Staying ahead of emerging trends requires a keen understanding of the evolving consumer landscape. We are always listening to our customers, observing market shifts, and keeping an eye on global trends in the café and hospitality sectors. At ZOCA Café, we ensure we stay agile and adaptable. This means regularly updating our menu to incorporate seasonal ingredients, introducing new technology to enhance customer convenience, and creating spaces that cater to both digital nomads and casual visitors. We also invest in market research and continually test new concepts to see what resonates with our audience. By staying in tune with customer feedback and being willing to experiment, we can ensure that ZOCA Café remains relevant and appealing.
My Circle Story: With such rapid expansion, how do you ensure quality and consistency across all locations?
Karan Makan: As we expand, maintaining quality and consistency across all locations is one of our top priorities. To achieve this, we have implemented rigorous training programs for all of our staff to ensure that our standards are met at every touchpoint. We also have strong operational guidelines and regular audits in place to monitor the quality of both products and services. Additionally, we’ve invested in centralized supply chain management to ensure that the ingredients and products we use across all locations meet the same high standards. We believe that by focusing on the details and maintaining strict quality control measures, we can continue to provide the exceptional ZOCA Café experience our customers have come to expect.
My Circle Story: What do you look for in a franchisee, and how do you manage the franchising process?
Karan Makan: Franchise management can indeed be complex, which is why we are very selective when it comes to choosing franchisees for ZOCA Café. We look for individuals who not only have the necessary financial resources but also share our vision and commitment to quality. Prospective franchisees need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the café and hospitality industry, as well as a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. To ensure they maintain the high standards of the ZOCA Café brand, we provide comprehensive training programs and continuous support. Regular evaluations and close collaboration with our franchisees help us ensure that each location adheres to the same principles and standards that have made ZOCA Café a success.
My Circle Story: What’s next for Fraterniti Foods, and what can we expect from your upcoming ventures?
Karan Makan: The future for Fraterniti Foods is incredibly exciting. We are aiming to expand to over 500 outlets across various brands, with a significant focus on introducing new concepts like ZYXX – a premium cocktail bar, and Hermanos – a brand focused on high-end energy bars and restaurants. Additionally, we are also stepping into the hospitality sector with upcoming hotel brands such as The Wallace, Hotel Arnault, Hamron Inn, Griffin House, and Brooklyn Park. Our goal is to create a transparent, sustainable food ecosystem using technology and community engagement. We’re excited about the possibilities and are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the food and beverage industry.
