Willman succeeds interim chief, Gary Beisler
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill named Greg Willman its new chief executive officer, effective June 15. Willman takes the helm of the Middle-Eastern-style chain from Gary Beisler, its interim CEO. Beisler remains chairman of the Naf Naf Board of Directors. As Naf Naf CEO, Willman will oversee operations, finance and corporate strategy of the growing fast-casual concept, known for its distinctive shawarma and hand-crafted falafel, baked pitas, hand-cut salads, and prepared sauces.
Willman’s experience and prowess comes from the investment space. A 20-year career in restaurant investing started with 316 Investments, a company he founded and used to become one of the first developers of Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants. He operated and grew his territory until exiting at a time when he operated one of Qdoba’s largest franchises.
As one of Naf Naf’s first franchisees, Willman landed an exclusive area development deal for Central Indiana. Before becoming an investor and entrepreneur, his career placed him in senior executive roles within marketing, strategy and business development in high-growth companies.
“He (Willman) understands what it takes to successfully grow an emerging brand, and his strong finance and operations experience, coupled with his passion for the Naf (Naf) brand, will take this company to the next level,” said Beisler.
Sahar Sander, who founded the Naf Naf Grill chain in 2009, passed in 2018.
Photo credit: Naf Naf Grill (preview featured image)
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