Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill Faces Leadership Transition as Greg Willman Retires
In a significant shift for Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, the company has announced that Greg Willman will be stepping down from his role as CEO. This decision comes as Willman, who has greatly influenced the brand since 2019, prepares for retirement after a transformative tenure. During his time at Naf Naf, Willman made considerable strides to elevate the brand's market presence, particularly in the competitive fast-casual dining sector. He initially joined Naf Naf as its first franchisee, expanding its reach to places like Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana. The culmination of his efforts was recognized when he was appointed CEO in 2020 and later elected as Chair of the Board.
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill has thrived under Willman's leadership, achieving consistent growth and garnering national attention. The restaurant chain has been listed in Fast Casual Magazine's "Movers and Shakers" several times, peaking with a notable position on their 2025 rankings. Willman's contributions were further acknowledged when he landed a spot on Nation's Restaurant News' Power List of Most Influential CEOs in 2022. More recently, the brand was recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, a testament to its innovative and appealing offerings.
Reflecting on his time with the brand, Willman expressed his gratitude: "I've enjoyed my time at Naf Naf immensely and I am very excited about the brand's future. I look forward to working with the board and our team over the next two months, in an advisory capacity, to support Grady in this new, well-deserved, role. Afterward, I will remain active as a board member and investor in the company." This last remark highlights Willman's continued commitment to the brand, even as he transitions away from daily operations.
Stepping into Willman's shoes, CFO Grady Metoyer has been designated as the interim CEO. Metoyer, who brings over 25 years of experience in finance and operations within the food and beverage industry, has been integral to Naf Naf's success, having served as CFO for the past eight years. His previous roles include Vice President of Finance at Sysco and Executive Vice President of SYGMA, where he honed his skills in corporate-level finance management. With a strong background in restaurants — including a significant role at a company overseeing over 100 fast casual locations — Metoyer's leadership is poised to guide the company through this transitional period.
In his response, Metoyer stated, "I am humbled and excited to be named as the interim CEO of Naf Naf Holdings, LLC. I look forward to working with Greg, the board, and our team in creating a seamless hand-off of the CEO role and a smooth continuation of the strong momentum in the brand." His commitment to maintaining the brand's trajectory of success is paramount in this pivotal moment.
As Naf Naf continues to expand its footprint across the United States, the restaurant is known for its fresh Middle Eastern cuisine that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The brand aims to make Middle Eastern dining a mainstream favorite, offering a diverse menu filled with handcrafted dishes, such as its celebrated Chicken Shawarma, vibrant falafel, and warm pita bread — all prepared in-house daily.
With headquarters in Chicago and 39 locations scattered nationwide, Naf Naf is set on capitalizing its growth and further enhancing its market presence while upholding its trademark hospitality and culinary excellence. The upcoming months will be crucial as Metoyer implements his vision and strategy in the interim CEO position, ensuring that Naf Naf remains at the forefront of the fast-casual dining scene.
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill has thrived under Willman's leadership, achieving consistent growth and garnering national attention. The restaurant chain has been listed in Fast Casual Magazine's "Movers and Shakers" several times, peaking with a notable position on their 2025 rankings. Willman's contributions were further acknowledged when he landed a spot on Nation's Restaurant News' Power List of Most Influential CEOs in 2022. More recently, the brand was recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, a testament to its innovative and appealing offerings.
Reflecting on his time with the brand, Willman expressed his gratitude: "I've enjoyed my time at Naf Naf immensely and I am very excited about the brand's future. I look forward to working with the board and our team over the next two months, in an advisory capacity, to support Grady in this new, well-deserved, role. Afterward, I will remain active as a board member and investor in the company." This last remark highlights Willman's continued commitment to the brand, even as he transitions away from daily operations.
Stepping into Willman's shoes, CFO Grady Metoyer has been designated as the interim CEO. Metoyer, who brings over 25 years of experience in finance and operations within the food and beverage industry, has been integral to Naf Naf's success, having served as CFO for the past eight years. His previous roles include Vice President of Finance at Sysco and Executive Vice President of SYGMA, where he honed his skills in corporate-level finance management. With a strong background in restaurants — including a significant role at a company overseeing over 100 fast casual locations — Metoyer's leadership is poised to guide the company through this transitional period.
In his response, Metoyer stated, "I am humbled and excited to be named as the interim CEO of Naf Naf Holdings, LLC. I look forward to working with Greg, the board, and our team in creating a seamless hand-off of the CEO role and a smooth continuation of the strong momentum in the brand." His commitment to maintaining the brand's trajectory of success is paramount in this pivotal moment.
As Naf Naf continues to expand its footprint across the United States, the restaurant is known for its fresh Middle Eastern cuisine that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The brand aims to make Middle Eastern dining a mainstream favorite, offering a diverse menu filled with handcrafted dishes, such as its celebrated Chicken Shawarma, vibrant falafel, and warm pita bread — all prepared in-house daily.
With headquarters in Chicago and 39 locations scattered nationwide, Naf Naf is set on capitalizing its growth and further enhancing its market presence while upholding its trademark hospitality and culinary excellence. The upcoming months will be crucial as Metoyer implements his vision and strategy in the interim CEO position, ensuring that Naf Naf remains at the forefront of the fast-casual dining scene.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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