Sheikhani Group businesses now cover more than 35 companies across three countries, making it one of the most talked-about Pakistani-American business empires of our time. Ali Sheikhani, who was born in Karachi and moved to the United States with just $85 in his pocket, built this entire empire from scratch. Today, the group operates in retail, real estate, food delivery, energy, and construction, with a growing footprint in Pakistan and the UAE.
How the Sheikhani Group Started
Ali Sheikhani did not start at the top. Like many successful entrepreneurs, he began his career working at a gas station in the United States, where he gained firsthand experience in customer service and small business operations. That early phase was key in shaping his business mindset, teaching him how to manage operations, understand customer behaviour, and spot opportunities in everyday challenges.
Established in 2012, the Sheikhani Group expanded into new retail markets and diversified by acquiring businesses in the food service and property industries. Over the years, it grew into a multi-industry giant with operations spread across Texas and beyond.
What Sheikhani Group Businesses Cover Today
The range of Sheikhani Group businesses is wide. The group has excelled in retail and e-commerce, food and beverages, energy, petroleum stations, and real estate industries. Below is a look at the main pillars of the empire.
Vape City and Retail
In 2012, Sheikhani launched Vape City, a new venture under the Sheikhani Group, which expanded into over 150 stores throughout Texas and other states. The retail chain sells vaping and novelty products and is one of the group’s most visible brands in the United States. The flagship vape and novelty business now operates across 250 or more locations, with multiple locations of convenience food and restaurant chains across Texas.
Construction and Real Estate
Sheikhani Builders focuses on property development and management, while Sheikhani Construction is engaged in general construction contracting. These two arms of the group have made a strong name in the Texas construction sector, serving both residential and commercial clients.
Energy and Gas Stations
The group also operates multiple service stations, with a trademark application for gas pumps under the Sheikhani Group name. Big names like Shell and Chevron have trusted Sheikhani Group services. This energy segment gives the group a stable, high-volume revenue stream.
Food and FoodPapa
One of the most exciting new moves by the Sheikhani Group businesses is the launch of FoodPapa. The Sheikhani Group has expanded its portfolio with FoodPapa, a food delivery service set to launch in Pakistan, the UAE, and the USA. This puts the group directly into the fast-growing online food ordering market, competing with established players in Pakistan.
This project shows that Ali Sheikhani is not only building businesses but also embracing technology and digital platforms to change how people eat and order food. FoodPapa is being watched closely by the Pakistani startup and tech community, as it brings both local investment and international experience into the market.
You can learn more about how Ali Sheikhani grew his personal wealth alongside the group by reading our earlier piece on Ali Sheikhani’s net worth and career journey.
A Constable and a CEO at the Same Time
What makes Ali Sheikhani different from most business tycoons is that he also holds a public office. Sheikhani made history by becoming the first Pakistani-American Republican elected as Constable for Fort Bend County, Precinct 3, Texas, in November 2024. He took the oath of office in January 2025, pledging to serve with integrity and dedication.
He is the CEO of the Sheikhani Group, an award-winning business leader, a Texas police officer, and an elected official. This unusual combination of roles has made him a well-known figure both in the Pakistani-American community and in Fort Bend County’s civic life.
Giving Back Through the Shamim Sheikhani Foundation
Alongside the Sheikhani Group businesses, Ali also runs a major charity. In 2019, Ali established the Shamim Sheikhani Foundation as a tribute to his mother’s legacy, operating a full-service food kitchen and providing essential services to support those in need.
As a devoted social worker, Ali uplifts underprivileged communities in Pakistan and Houston, providing essential resources and empowering individuals to build brighter futures through philanthropic efforts. The foundation operates in both the USA and Pakistan, making it a bridge between his two home countries.
Sheikhani Group’s Pakistan Ambitions
Ali Sheikhani has made it clear that Pakistan is a key part of his plans going forward. Beyond FoodPapa, one of the most talked-about developments was Ali Sheikhani’s interest in K-Electric. In 2024, he publicly expressed interest in acquiring Karachi’s electricity provider to help resolve load-shedding issues. While that acquisition has not moved forward, it showed the scale of his ambition for his birth city.
The group’s Pakistan push is relevant for local investors and entrepreneurs too. It shows that Pakistani diaspora capital can flow back home in a meaningful way, creating jobs and building services for ordinary people. Pakistan’s State Bank of Pakistan and government bodies have long encouraged diaspora investment as a way to boost the economy, and ventures like FoodPapa fit squarely into that vision. For more context on Pakistan’s broader digital economy growth, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tracks the expansion of digital platforms and internet-based services that underpin businesses like FoodPapa.
How Big Is the Sheikhani Group?
Today, Ali Sheikhani is known for building an empire that includes over 35 companies, including the widely recognised brand Vape City and his newest rising star in the tech world, FoodPapa. Under his leadership, the Sheikhani Group thrived and became one of the top 500 companies in Houston. Its overall estimated worth, driven by Sheikhani Group businesses in multiple sectors, is reported at around $600 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main Sheikhani Group businesses?
The main Sheikhani Group businesses include Vape City (retail), Sheikhani Builders and Construction (real estate and construction), multiple gas stations linked to Shell and Chevron, food restaurant chains in Texas, and the new food delivery platform FoodPapa, which is launching in Pakistan, the UAE, and the USA.
Who is the founder of the Sheikhani Group?
Ali Sheikhani was born in Karachi and rose from humble beginnings to become a leader in retail, construction, real estate, and logistics in Houston, Texas. He founded the Sheikhani Group and remains its CEO today.
Is the Sheikhani Group operating in Pakistan?
Yes. The Sheikhani Group is actively expanding into Pakistan through FoodPapa, a new food delivery service. Ali Sheikhani has also shown interest in investing further in Pakistan, including a much-discussed interest in the energy sector in Karachi.
What is Ali Sheikhani’s role in public service?
Ali Sheikhani is a member of the Fort Bend County Constables in Texas, representing Precinct 3. He assumed office on January 1, 2025. This makes him one of the very few Pakistani-Americans to hold elected law enforcement office in the United States while also running a large business group.
