A CANADIAN DREAM MADE IN HALTON 
The story of Zesty started with two ambitious immigrants from Morocco.

One had many years of business experience working in corporate world. The other was a young chef who spent years working in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants.

Both partners shared a feeling of being stuck in jobs where their talent was not fully exploited. Putting their passion into purpose, they envisioned starting  a restaurant where  no corners were cut, a place where they can bring great modern Middle Eastern food the way it was meant to be: healthy, fresh, delicious and fulfilling.

CHALLENGES
With little capital but with a strong will, the brothers spent time focusing on refining recipes with help from family members.

While they were confident of the quality of their food and recipes, doubts can sneak into any entrepreneur’s mind. “Will I lose my investment?” Asked one. “Is this going to be good enough to support my families?” Asked the other after leaving his full-time job.

A HOLE IN THE WALL
With persistence, their “Canadian Dream” became a reality in Halton where they lived. Their choice fell on Burlington that lacked a place with an authentic shawarma experience.

The partners acquired a small-boxed store at the corner of a neighbourhood strip plaza in Southern Burlington from the 70s. It was more of a hole in the wall. Before Zesty moved in, the store exchanged hands among four different owners in just under two years. Each had a different type of cuisine. All but failed.

A COLD OPENING
Following three months of renovations, Zesty opened first to a cold blizzard in early March. It did not take long for the restaurant to be filled with students from Nelson High.

The students brought their parents. Neighbours referred their friends. It didn’t take long for the word to spread that Burlington is now home to the best shawarma place in Halton.

Some days were better than others, but Zesty success continued to grow one bite a time.

RAVING FANS
Endorsements from Elite Yelpers, Ryan, Lambert, and Justin brought in a great following on social media. Renowned Chef Mike, a neighbour, became a customer and a great advocate.

The list of fans and advocates went on, but in less than a year, Zesty’s famed Shawarma, got their raving fans North of the city to call for  another location that’s bigger and closer to them.

Their second location opened in 2016. The brothers soon focused on attracting and retaining top managers and service champions to join their team.

Soon, Zesty expanded into corporate catering to local small and large organizations. In 2018, they started offering lunch program to schools in Halton. Their third store was opened the same year in Oakville.

SHARING SUCCESS
In 2020, Zesty decided to venture into franchising to help other restaurant managers and entrepreneurs who are passionate about serving great food to realize their Canadian Dream as well.