Established
1971
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mamoun’s Falafel is one of America’s most iconic Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant brands, celebrated for its authentic recipes, unbeatable value, and cult-like following across generations. Known for serving fresh, flavorful falafel, shawarma, hummus, and Mediterranean comfort food, Mamoun’s Falafel has built a powerful reputation as a go-to destination for affordable, high-quality meals in urban and suburban markets alike.
What sets Mamoun’s Falafel apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. The brand has stayed true to its original family recipes for decades, delivering bold flavors, generous portions, and a simple, efficient menu that resonates with students, professionals, families, and late-night diners. In an era where consumers increasingly seek fresh, plant-forward, globally inspired food, Mamoun’s Falafel sits at the intersection of tradition and modern demand.
From bustling city streets to high-traffic college towns, Mamoun’s Falafel locations are known for strong foot traffic, loyal repeat customers, and consistent sales performance. The brand’s no-frills, high-volume operating model makes it especially attractive for franchisees looking for a proven concept with broad appeal, operational efficiency, and strong unit-level economics in the competitive fast-casual dining segment.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Mamoun’s Falafel franchise means aligning with a brand that has already earned trust, credibility, and long-term relevance in the U.S. restaurant industry.
Key reasons investors choose Mamoun’s Falafel include:
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Decades-Proven Brand – A heritage brand with more than 50 years of operating history and loyal customers across multiple generations
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High-Demand Cuisine – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in fast-casual dining
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Simple, Scalable Menu – Focused offerings reduce food waste, labor complexity, and training time
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Strong Urban & Suburban Appeal – Performs well in downtown cores, college areas, mixed-use developments, and dense residential markets
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Efficient Operations – Streamlined kitchen design and fast service support strong throughput during peak hours
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Cultural & Dietary Fit – Vegetarian-friendly, halal-focused menu aligns with modern dietary preferences
Background
Brand Name: Mamoun’s Falafel
Established Year: 1971
Founders: Mamoun Chater
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Mediterranean / Middle Eastern Restaurant
Ownership: Family-owned and operated
Mamoun’s Falafel was founded in 1971 in New York City by Mamoun Chater, an Egyptian immigrant who introduced authentic falafel and Middle Eastern street food to American diners long before it became mainstream. What started as a single, humble falafel shop quickly gained popularity for its fresh ingredients, bold spices, and affordable pricing.
Over the decades, Mamoun’s Falafel expanded organically, maintaining strict quality standards and preserving its original recipes. The brand became a staple in New York and surrounding regions, earning national recognition through word-of-mouth, food critics, and loyal customers who line up at locations at all hours.
Today, Mamoun’s Falafel operates 20+ active locations across the United States and continues to grow through franchising. The brand remains deeply rooted in its family heritage while embracing scalable systems, standardized operations, and franchise-ready infrastructure to support long-term expansion.
Support Training
Mamoun’s Falafel provides comprehensive franchise support designed to help owners launch, operate, and grow successful locations with confidence.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and build-out support
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain coordination
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Assistance with permits, approvals, and pre-opening timeline
Training Programs
Hands-on operational training covering food prep, service standards, and kitchen workflows
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Management and staff training programs
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Food safety, quality control, and inventory management systems
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POS systems and reporting training
Operational Support
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Standard operating procedures for daily restaurant management
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Ongoing field support and performance guidance
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Labor optimization and scheduling best practices
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Quality assurance and brand compliance support
Marketing & Growth Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Digital marketing and brand positioning guidance
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Promotional campaigns and seasonal menu support
Ideal Candidate
Mamoun’s Falafel is best suited for motivated owner-operators and multi-unit investors who value operational excellence and brand integrity.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
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Experience in restaurant operations, hospitality, or multi-unit retail (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Passion for food quality, customer service, and cultural authenticity
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Financial capability to meet investment and working capital requirements
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Interest in operating in high-density urban, suburban, or college-driven markets
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Hands-on involvement or the ability to manage experienced operators
Entrepreneurs who appreciate disciplined systems, high-volume service, and community-driven brands tend to perform especially well within the Mamoun’s Falafel system.
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & POS Systems | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening Expenses | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| National / Brand Marketing Fee | ~1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Expected ROI | Strong unit-level returns (location dependent) |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Online Ordering, Delivery, Catering |