Franchise Deep Dive: Naf Naf Grill Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Naf Naf Grill is a fast casual restaurant franchise that serves fresh and authentic Middle Eastern food. Naf Naf, which means “fan the flame” in Hebrew, specializes in pita sandwiches, chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus, hand cut salads and veggie options.

Naf Naf Grill was started in 2009 by late founder Sahar Sander , who opened the first location in Naperville, Illinois. The brand began offering franchise opportunities in 2019. Since then, it has been named one of the country’s fastest-growing eateries by Forbes .

As of November 2023, there are 35 Naf Naf Grill locations spanning more than 12 states, with even more in development. You can find Naf Naf Grill in the following states:

The core of Naf Naf Grill’s business model is offering consumers authentic Middle Eastern food. The brand takes a customizable and approachable modern service format that it believes is enticing to a diverse range of customers.

“At Naf, the food is the passion, and the brand has been repeatedly recognized for superior quality,” the brand wrote on its website. Naf Naf also lists the following benefits to operating one of its franchises:

• Leader in Middle Eastern cuisine with tremendous growth opportunity

• Recognized for superior food quality and notable flavors

• Culinary driven, on-trend concept appealing to a broad demographic

• Flexible designs for development

• Proven operations across urban, suburban and college locations

• Efficient business operations

• Seasoned corporate leadership and support team

Ideal Naf Naf Grill franchise owners will also have multi-unit restaurant management and development experience. However, the brand’s seasoned leadership team, which it boasts is “unparalleled in its experience in the fast-casual space,” provides ample support for new owners.

According to Naf Naf Grill’s 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) , the top company-owned and franchisee-owned restaurants saw average annual net sales of $894,713.

The initial investment required to start a Naf Naf franchise ranges from $539,100 to $813,200. This investment is broken down into the following costs:

• Initial franchise fee: $30,000

• Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $221,400 to $350,000

• Architect, Engineers and Expeditor Fees: $12,000 to $32,000

• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $184,300 to $225,000

• Exterior Signage: $9,000 to $25,000

• Digital and Menu boards: $9,400 to $12,100

• Opening inventory: $8,300 to $12,000

• Smallwares and uniforms: $13,400 to $16,000

• Point of Sale and Computer Systems: $11,000 to $14,000

• Market Introduction Program: $10,000

• Training Expenses: $6,800 to $12,100

• Insurance (Annual): $3,500 to $10,000

• Miscellaneous Opening Cost: $10,000 to $25,000

• Additional Funds (3 months): $10,000 to $40,000

The franchise fee required to open a Naf Naf Grill is $30K. Interested candidates must also have a minimum net worth of $1.8 million, of which $600K must be liquid. Franchisees must also sign a commitment to open a minimum of at least three locations.

Naf Naf Grill’s leadership team includes:

• Nico Nieto — Chief Marketing Officer

• Lisa McBeth Rott — SVP Operations

• Chad Chmielowicz — VP Ops Services and Training

• Charles Tanner — VP Real Estate and Design

• Ian Bruggeman — Director of Franchise Sales