Mamoun’s Falafel, the fastest growing Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant in North America and oldest falafel restaurant in New York City, has signed a multi-unit deal to expand their franchise into Southern California.

Mamoun’s Falafel signed an eight-unit franchise deal with Ali and Munira Yusufaly for exclusivity in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, adding to its current portfolio of 10 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

The new franchise locations add to Ali and Munira Yusufaly’s business portfolio, which includes several successful flower shops and car washes.

“When our family lived in New York, we stumbled upon Mamoun’s Falafel and were immediately enticed by its mouthwatering, authentic cuisine,” says Ali and Munira Yusufaly. “We are thrilled to continue the Mamoun’s Falafel legacy on the West Coast and introduce Southern California diners to the delicious Middle Eastern recipes that are now a staple in our lives. With new locations planned for 2019 and beyond, we look forward to bringing fresh, flavorful food to customers across the region.”

Since opening in the heart of Greenwich Village in 1971, Mamoun’s Falafel has been dishing out a menu of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including shawarma, hummus, baba ganouj, and baklava along with their famous namesake falafel.

Mamoun’s uses a commissary and rigorous production system to ensure high quality and consistent product at every location, including baking the pita fresh in house every day. It has partnered with Cuisine Solutions, a worldwide leader in the sous-vide cooking method, to ensure the same delicious menu items can be duplicated all over the world.

Mamoun’s Falafel, which has established a reputation of being the most authentic and flavorful falafel in New York City, was founded by Mamoun Chater, who built the menu using authentic Middle Eastern recipes consisting of simple, natural ingredients and spices. The legacy and tradition of the brand has been carried on by Mamoun’s sons who, like him, are passionate about serving delicious food that brings people together.

Mamoun’s Falafel was featured in the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” awarded ‘Best Falafel’ by the New York Press, included in Eater NYC’s list of “NYC’s Most Iconic Sandwiches,” and featured on the Food Network, in addition to being praised by various musicians, actors, comedians, and other celebrities throughout the years.

The chain currently operates 10 restaurants – three in New York in the West Village, East Village, and Syosset; four in New Jersey in Hoboken, New Brunswick, Princeton, and Fort Lee; one in New Haven, Connecticut, and one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forty-six locations are in development nationwide, including eight locations in Northern California and six locations in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mamoun’s Falafel has partnered with Fransmart, the industry-leading franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Qdoba Mexican Grill, as their exclusive franchise development partner to grow the brand. The concept is currently looking for experienced multi-unit foodservice operators to develop franchise territories in top 40 major media markets across the U.S.