CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Naf Naf Grill, a rapidly growing Middle Eastern fast casual restaurant, announced today it has appointed Paul Damico as Chief Executive Officer. Damico most recently served as President of North America for FOCUS Brands, and as the former President of Moe’s Southwest Grill who led the brand through record growth over seven years.
Naf Naf Grill has experienced recent extraordinary growth, expanding outside of its Chicago home base over the past two years with new locations in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. The 29-unit fast-casual chain was named a 2016 Hot Concept by Nation’s Restaurant News, one of the industry’s most prestigious award programs recognizing rising star brands.
With more than 30 years of operations and franchising experience with some of the most prominent brands in the foodservice industry, Damico is well-known in the sector as a transformational business leader. Under his leadership, Moe’s grew from 300 locations and will be opening its 700th location later this month, with a presence in 41 states.
“Paul is a strong, experienced leader with a solid track record of growing high-performance restaurant brands,” said Gary Beisler, the former longtime President & CEO of Qdoba and Naf Naf Grill’s current Chairman. “His knowledge of franchising and restaurant operations will bode well for Naf Naf Grill, which is clearly emerging as a leader in the untapped Middle Eastern fast casual sector.”
Former Naf Naf Grill co-CEOs David Sloan and Sahar Sander are passing the torch to Damico after successfully leading Naf Naf Grill for nine years. Sander will remain with the brand as Chief Culinary Officer, serving as the driving force behind the company’s exemplary and inventive culinary offerings. Sloan, who played a key role in building the brand from scratch in Chicago to expansion around the country, will serve as a senior advisor to Damico.
“Naf Naf Grill is at a pivotal point in its growth phase. After building a loyal fan base in Chicago, consumers have heartily embraced the brand in each new market,” Damico said. “Clearly there’s something special about the food and the culture of Naf Naf Grill. I’m excited to build upon the foundation of the brand’s founders and look forward to impacting the next chapter of growth.”
About Naf Naf Grill
Naf Naf Grill, founded in 2009, is the premium destination for fresh, authentic Middle Eastern food. Oven baked pitas, hand cut salads and freshly prepared sauces all serve as an accompaniment to award-winning shawarma and falafel. Naf Naf Grill is a fast casual format with 29 units open and more under development in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Naf Naf Grill has received industry acclaim, being named a 2016 Hot Concept by Nation’s Restaurant News and One to Watch by QSR Magazine. It has also received acclaim in its home market of Chicago with the Chicago Tribune naming its chicken shawarma one of the Top-10 dishes. From the most humble of beginnings to a high-growth restaurant company in a few years, the company is guided by an idea they now fondly call “The Naf Love.” For more information, please visit www.nafnafgrill.com.
