Fast casual restaurant chain Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill has entered a development agreement for four new units in Ohio, bolstering its footprint in the Midwest region of the US. 

This agreement signing was led by Dhruv Patel and partners Pratik Patel and Viral Patel. The three are the main operators of Company LAXMI6714. 

They will leverage their multi-unit and multi-brand operational experience to grow Naf Naf’s footprint in the region. 

The Patel trio’s portfolio also includes Wayback Burgers, Barrio Taco, and Country Inn and Suites by Radisso.  

With one of the four locations already operational in Independence, Ohio, the partners intend to open three further sites in Cuyahoga and Lake counties up to 2027.

Naf Naf Grill CEO Greg Willman said: “Dhruv and his partners’ expertise in the hospitality and restaurant industry aligns perfectly with our vision for growth, as they bring with them a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success. 

“Naf Naf is actively growing in the expansive Midwest market, with Ohio showing promising potential. We look forward to witnessing their team’s success and welcoming new communities to our restaurants.” 

The expansion is part of a larger growth initiative, as Naf Naf targets the opening of five additional locations by the end of 2024, bringing the total number of units in development to 25.  

Since beginning its franchising efforts in 2019, the brand has opened 39 locations across 13 US states. 

The Ohio development agreement follows Naf Naf’s recent announcement of an expanded partnership with Love’s Travel Stops, which will see three new outlets open in Barstow, California, in Greenville, Virginia and near Nashville, Tennessee by the end of 2024. 

In February 2024, Naf Naf announced plans to open its first location in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the spring of that year.