Shopian, May 6: Local food chain Zero Miles Grill & Cafe on Wednesday opened its ninth outlet in Shopian district, with its founders stating that the expansion is aimed at generating local employment amid high unemployment in the region.
The new outlet, located opposite Jamia Masjid in Shopian’s main market, was inaugurated by founder and CEO Jibran Khan along with co-founder Javid Ahmad Mahroo and local franchise partners.
Speaking at the launch, Jibran Khan said the company measures success not only through revenue but also through its contribution to local communities. He said each outlet is expected to create employment opportunities and serve as a platform for engaging local youth.
The founders said the Shopian outlet is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment, with a hiring model that prioritizes candidates from the district. They added that employment generation is being tracked as a key performance indicator alongside business growth.
According to official data, unemployment rates in Jammu and Kashmir have remained higher than the national average, with limited private sector opportunities in districts such as Shopian. The founders said their expansion model is designed to address this gap by focusing on local recruitment.
Javid Ahmad Mahroo said the company’s approach emphasizes job creation as part of its growth strategy. He added that the initiative seeks to provide opportunities for youth in areas where employment options are limited.
The cafe chain, known for its quick-service format and grill-based menu, has expanded to multiple locations across the Kashmir Valley. Officials said the Shopian outlet reflects a continued focus on local hiring and community engagement.
Residents and stakeholders described the initiative as a potential avenue for employment generation in the district, where private sector presence remains limited.
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