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Our History

Naf Naf's first location opened in Naperville, IL
2009
Sahar Sander opens first location in Naperville, IL
2018
Expanded to multiple states outside of Illinois
Naf Naf's first franchise deal signed
2019
First franchise deal signed
Naf Naf's first franchise store
2020
First franchise store opens
Greg Willman, CEO
2020
Greg Willman named CEO
Naf Naf's continued expansion in multiple markets including Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte
2022
Continued expansion in multiple markets including Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte
Opening of Love's third location in Gary, IN
2023
Opening of Love’s third location in Gary, IN
Naf Naf's third store in Wisconsin
2024
Naf Naf opens third store in Wisconsin!
2024
Naf Naf Grill reaches 39 stores with it’s first opening in North Carolina
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Naf Naf means to “Fan the Flame”

The expression is used as an invitation for friends and family to gather and share a meal together. Back in 2009, Sahar Sander, our late founder, opened the first Naf Naf in Naperville, Illinois, and invited the community to try his authentic handmade recipes true to his Middle Eastern upbringing. We still serve those recipes today at every Naf Naf and invite you in to share a meal with us.

Sahar Sander, founder of Naf Naf Grill

Our Values

When it comes to how we operate our restaurants and grow our brand, these fundamental values are non-negotiable:

Elevate Every Bite

Our commitment to authentic and superior food quality is evident in every aspect of our cooking process from hand-made Shawarma towers, fresh shaped falafel and daily baked pitas in every restaurant.

A Table for Everyone

The name Naf Naf (literally translated as “Fan the Flame”) implies a heartfelt invitation to gather around the table to Share A Meal.  At Naf Naf, we believe in the power that food has to bridge differences and bring everyone together, to embody the spirit of “sharing a meal.”

Together we Kindle

We are profoundly committed to supporting our team members, our partners and the communities that serve us everyday.

Innovate with Purpose

At Naf Naf, we believe that keeping things simple requires innovative thinking.  Our innovation must always result in three outcomes – help our operators execute, help our store performance and elevate customer engagement.

Industry Awards

Proudly recognized by our industry for our culinary, hospitality and operational excellence and the work our teams do every day.

  • Inc5000 Fastest-Growing Companies
    Inc 5000 – America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
  • Fast Casual – Movers and Shakers 2024
  • Nation's Restaurant News
    Greg Willman – Power List Most Influential restaurant CEO’s 2022
  • Top 50 Movers and Shakers 2021
  • Chicago Tribune
    Top Workplaces 2019
  • Top 100 Movers and Shakers 2019
  • QSR
    40/40 Hottest Start-Ups 2018

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