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Layoff fuels Pakistani-American's culinary empire
13 Apr
Summary
- Zeeshan Bakhrani turned two layoffs into a thriving eatery.
- His restaurant, Nishaan, fuses Pakistani roots with American dishes.
- The venture now generates $140,000 monthly, a CNBC report stated.
After experiencing two significant layoffs in New York City's competitive product management sector, Zeeshan Bakhrani decided to pivot from the corporate grind. The 34-year-old Pakistani-American, originally from Chicago, channeled his nearly a decade of tech experience into a personal venture, investing $70,000 of his own savings.
Bakhrani launched Nishaan, a Manhattan-based eatery that uniquely blends his Pakistani heritage with familiar American dishes. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing, where his mother infused South Asian spices into everyday meals, the restaurant offers creative street food.
Dishes on Nishaan's menu include Pakistani chopped cheese, buffalo tandoori chicken sandwiches, and Bihari-style barbacoa tacos. These creations are innovative twists on traditional favorites, such as using parathas instead of tortillas or adding spicy chutneys to burgers.
Nishaan is currently achieving remarkable financial success, reportedly generating $140,000 in revenue each month, according to a recent CNBC report. Bakhrani finds immense satisfaction in the food industry's rapid pace, contrasting it with the slower decision-making processes in his previous tech roles.
His journey from corporate burnout to a flourishing business owner has resonated with thousands online, particularly those facing uncertainties in the current job market. Bakhrani's experience serves as a powerful testament to the potential for reinvention following a career setback.
