Zaatar w Zeit restaurant started as a self-operating business in Lebanon and has expanded through more branches in Lebanon and with franchisees abroad. Headquartered in Jeita, Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon, it is one of Lebanon's largest restaurant chains.[citation needed] The central kitchen and warehouses are also in Jeita, Zouk Mosbeh. The company began back in 1999 selling Lebanese dough food such as manakish.