Idaho Fitness Factory Continues to Expand Under Alturas Ventures
August 3, 2026
Alturas Ventures Cooks Up Investment Partnership with Zullee Mediterranean Grill
Idaho-based investment firm to provide growth capital and operational support as the fast-casual Mediterranean concept prepares to expand beyond its five current locations and two announced openings.
EAGLE, Idaho — August 18, 2026 — Alturas Ventures, an Eagle, Idaho-based investment firm, today announced its partnership with Zullee Mediterranean Grill, the fast-growing fast-casual restaurant concept founded by Ahmed Baqer. The transaction marks a new chapter for the brand, pairing Alturas Ventures’ capital and growth expertise with Baqer’s culinary vision as Zullee prepares to expand into new markets across the region.
Every dish reflects the flavors I grew up with and the hospitality I want every guest to feel.
“Zullee has always been about more than food for me. Every dish reflects the flavors I grew up with and the hospitality I want every guest to feel,” said founder, Ahmed Baquer. “I’m excited about a partnership with Alturas Ventures because it lets me bring that experience to a broader audience, with a partner committed to protecting what made it great in the first place.”
Zullee Mediterranean Grill currently operates five locations in Spokane, Yakima, and Richland, Washington; and Nampa and Meridian, Idaho, with additional restaurants already announced in Herriman, Utah, and a second Meridian location on Chinden Boulevard. Under the new partnership, Alturas Ventures will take the lead on site selection, real estate, marketing and financing to accelerate the brand’s footprint, while Baqer and his team remain focused on what built Zullee’s following in the first place: bold, made-to-order Mediterranean fare and a guest experience that keeps customers coming back.
“Ahmed built something special with Zullee: a guest experience that people are genuinely passionate about and food that keeps people coming back,” said Lucas Henken, President at Alturas Ventures. “Our role is to support Ahmed and his team with capital and infrastructure to scale that experience into new communities without losing what makes it so special. We’re not here to change Zullee, we’re here to help more people discover it.”
The partnership positions Zullee for significant growth in the coming years. Alturas Ventures plans to leverage its capital base and development experience to identify new markets throughout the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West, building on the momentum of the brand’s upcoming openings in Herriman, Utah, and Meridian, Idaho.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Zullee Mediterranean Grill
Founded by Ahmed Baqer, Zullee Mediterranean Grill traces its roots to 2011, when Baqer purchased Kabob House in Washington State. Drawing on his upbringing in Bahrain and a deep passion for Mediterranean flavors, Baqer spent the next decade refining the concept’s menu, hospitality, and guest experience. In 2022, that evolution culminated in a full rebrand to Zullee: a fresh identity paired with an updated menu that has driven strong growth ever since.
Zullee has also built a reputation as a better-for-you option in the fast-casual space. All Zullee locations serve halal dishes, as well as vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. These options are clearly labelled, making Zullee a go-to choice for diners navigating dietary restrictions. As a result, the brand has built a loyal, highly rated following across every market it serves.
Part of what sets Zullee apart is its hybrid service model, pairing the speed and value of fast-casual dining with the warmth of full-table service. That distinction helped earn Zullee’s Nampa, Idaho location a 2026 Winner-Runner Up honor in the Best Full-Service Restaurant Design — Check Average Less Than $50 per Person category at the Restaurant Development & Design Awards.
About Alturas Ventures
Alturas Ventures is an Eagle, Idaho-based investment firm that partners with founder-led businesses to provide the capital, infrastructure, and strategic support needed to scale. The firm focuses on identifying strong operators with sustainable cash flow, primarily in the Intermountain West, and helps them grow into new markets while preserving what made them successful. Alturas Ventures is part of the Alturas family of companies, which operate across construction, real estate, manufacturing, technology, fitness, and other industries. Learn more at alturas.com and alturasventures.com.
