India, May 9, 2025: In India’s ever-evolving food and beverage sector, Karan Makan stands out as a trailblazing force reshaping how the nation dines. An engineer by education and a hospitality innovator at heart, Karan is the co-founder of Fraterniti Foods Pvt. Ltd., a company that has rapidly emerged as a leader in modern dining experiences. His latest venture ENERGY Restro & Bar, aims to redefine premium dining in India, with plans to open over 30 upscale locations, each spanning 5,000 to 7,000 square feet, by the end of 2025. More than a brand, ENERGY represents a lifestyle movement, operating under marquee names like ZYXX and Hermanos.
Bridging Engineering and Hospitality
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the hospitality business, Karan initially pursued engineering — an unconventional choice that later proved pivotal. This blend of technical acumen and industry insight gave rise to a leadership style that is both analytical and imaginative. In 2020, he joined forces with Rohit Tandon to launch Fraterniti Foods, a venture grounded in innovation, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.
The Rise of ZOCA and F&B Powerhouse
Under Karan’s direction, Fraterniti Foods has become a dominant player in India’s F&B space, establishing over 125 successful franchise outlets. The company is the creative force behind celebrated brands such as ZOCA, YOLO, Nomai, CDELI, Tulsi, and Blinkk, as well as nearly 30 sub-brands powered by a hybrid kitchen model.
Karan’s vision transcends traditional dining. He has reimagined restaurants as experiential spaces that combine cuisine with culture, featuring live music, comedy performances, and immersive entertainment. This approach has elevated the act of dining into a multi-sensory event.
Innovation Through Adversity
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the hospitality industry, Karan’s resilience and innovative mindset enabled Fraterniti Foods not only to withstand the crisis but to emerge stronger. He championed the Shadow Kitchen (Cloud Kitchen) model, which maintained operations during lockdowns and created new employment opportunities.
His hybrid kitchen concept, where a single location operates multiple delivery brands allowed franchisees to diversify menus, increase efficiency, and boost profitability, all while meeting the rising demand for convenience and variety.
ENERGY Restro & Bar: Defining the Future of Dining
Karan’s newest initiative, ENERGY Restro & Bar, marks a bold leap into the future of upscale dining. Designed to cater to India’s growing appetite for luxury lifestyle experiences, ENERGY combines gourmet cuisine with vibrant ambiance and sophisticated design. Whether under the ZYXX or Hermanos brand umbrellas, each outlet promises an elevated culinary journey, blending atmosphere, innovation, and hospitality excellence.
As part of its expansion strategy, Fraterniti Foods has also tied up with top-tier real estate developers including M3M, Elan Group, Ocus, and other leading builders, ensuring ENERGY outlets are located in prime lifestyle hubs and commercial epicenters. These collaborations underscore Karan’s commitment to blending hospitality with world-class infrastructure.
A Legacy of Leadership
Karan Makan’s journey is one of vision, adaptability, and relentless drive. By merging engineering precision with a deep passion for hospitality, he has transformed Fraterniti Foods into a trendsetting powerhouse in India’s culinary scene. From the explosive success of ZOCA to the promising future of ENERGY, Karan continues to redefine what it means to dine in modern India.
As the company scales new heights, Karan remains steadfast in his mission: to craft extraordinary dining experiences that combine creativity, technology, and a customer-first philosophy. He isn’t just navigating change, he’s leading it.
