US-based fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurant concept Naf Naf Grill has signed a multi-unit development agreement with Dallas-based franchisee INAA Restaurant Group to open ten new locations.

The first location is scheduled to open later this year.

Established in 2009, Naf Naf serves shawarma and hand-crafted falafel, along with oven-baked pitas, fresh toppings, and signature sauces.

The company, which launched its franchising programme in the second half of 2019, signed its ninth multi-unit development agreement with the latest deal.

Naf Naf CEO Greg Willman said: “We are thrilled that we have been able to drive growth during a difficult time for the industry.

“It’s incredibly important for us to continue to grow with strong operators in key geographies to increase the footprint of the brand and share our great Middle Eastern cuisine and hospitality with even more guests.”

Currently, Naf Naf has 39 locations in the US across Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Commenting on the deal, INAA operating partner Aamir Rajan said: “We researched numerous restaurant brands across multiple segments of the industry before ultimately deciding on Naf.

“Naf allows us to align and grow with a clearly differentiated restaurant brand with fantastic food, run by a seasoned and successful management team.”

INAA group principal Amir Didarali added: “Our vision for Naf Naf, like our other businesses, is to provide a best-in-class experience for the guest while also creating opportunities locally for individuals to grow within our organisation.”

Recently, another US-based fast-casual restaurant chain BurgerFi International signed a multi-unit development agreement with Food Supplies to open six restaurants in Saudi Arabia.