NAYA’s 200‑Store Ambition: A New Era for Mediterranean Fast‑Casual

NAYA’s Rise Story

NAYA has grown from a single Manhattan location in 2008 to 48 restaurants today, aiming for 200 by 2030 and exemplifying the rise of Mediterranean cuisine in U.S. fast‑casual dining.

Sector Growth: The Mediterranean Surge

■In 2025, Mediterranean fast‑casual sales reached $2.5 billion, growing 16%, outpacing the broader segment’s 6% increase.

■Cava’s average unit volume stands at $3.1 million, while NAYA’s is $3 million—similar per‑location revenue.

■Same‑store sales for NAYA rose 10% in 2025, with catering accounting for 10% of total revenue.

Financial Backing: Private Equity and COVID‑19

■TriSpan’s 2020 investment accelerated expansion: 55.6% (2022), 42.9% (2023), 45% (2024), 44.8% (2025) growth in restaurant count.

■Manhattan office leasing hit 22.8 million sq‑ft in H1‑2026, with vacancy at 12.7%, bolstering NAYA’s reopening.

Operational Innovation: Scaling Up

■Labor‑intensive Lebanese cooking was streamlined through equipment and prep systems to maintain quality at scale.

■Suburban sites now offer a lunch‑dinner split and family meals, expanding the menu.

■Rising labor and food costs are absorbed by tighter margins rather than price hikes.

Future Vision: 2030 and Beyond

■Target of 200 restaurants by 2030, with a “every neighborhood” goal.

■An IPO could bring the company to public markets.

NAYA’s rapid expansion underscores how evolving consumer tastes and the strategic shift from office‑centric to suburban locations shape growth. The IPO possibility could mark a significant turning point for the firm’s financial trajectory, presenting a fresh opportunity for investors.