Fast Casual Nation

NAYA CEO on Fast Casual Nation: From NYC start-up to national expansion

Kfoury shares how the Lebanese-inspired brand has grown to 31 locations with plans for 200 by 2030

April 10, 2025

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview Hady Kfoury, CEO of the fast-growing Middle Eastern concept NAYA. Founded in 2008 in New York City as a full-service brand, Kfoury changed the service model to a Chipotle-inspired assembly line model.

During the podcast, Kfoury shares how the Lebanese-inspired brand has grown to 31 locations with plans for 200 by 2030. The conversation covers NAYA's strategic positioning in the Northeast, digital ordering evolution and innovative approaches to attract Gen Z consumers while balancing ethnic authenticity with mainstream appeal.

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