Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill Opens In Darien

DARIEN, CT — Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill, the New York City-based fast-casual restaurant chain that features authentic, fresh, and nutritious Middle Eastern/Mediterranean meals, officially opened in Darien on Friday.

Located at 146 Heights Road in Darien Commons, the location marks the brand's first Connecticut location and 18th overall. There are other Naya storefronts in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Created in 2010 by Hady Kfoury, Naya has established a reputation for offering up exquisite flavors and showcasing time-honored recipes passed down through generations.

There was a line out the door on Friday as customers shuffled in to get their first look at Naya's offerings.

Patrons can step up to the counter, similar to Chipotle, and choose their base: a Naya roll (freshly baked pita), a bountiful bowl, or a fresh salad.

The centerpiece of the meal is the choice of protein, including chicken shawarma, chicken shish taouk, beef shawarma, kafta lamb kebab, cauliflower, and falafel.

Guests can personalize their roll, bowl, or salad with a variety of 17 different toppings, ranging from hummus and baba ganoush, to jalapeños and spicy green sauce.

There are plenty of vegetarian options, and extra protein portions can be added to any dish.

There is also a special selection of appetizers, both hot and cold, and desserts like baklava and nammoura. Darien also features a kid's menu.

"You're getting a fresh, authentic, and most importantly, healthy meal," said Kfoury, who is originally from Lebanon. He moved to New York City when he was 24. "People can expect a very lovely, inviting environment here."

There are about 24 seats inside and 10 on the outdoor patio. Naya offers fast and easy pick-up, and delivery on all platforms. The Darien location will offer lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The brand also offers catering options for events.

Kfoury said Darien was the right place for expansion into Connecticut because of its proximity to the city, and convenient location at Darien Commons, which now features a variety of popular NYC-based businesses, such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Warby Parker, Gregory's Coffee and Seamore's. Chip City plans on moving into a 1,373-square-foot shop.

"I think it's great to be getting so many fun, different and unique eateries on this side of town," said Darien Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kesti Aysseh. "Darien Commons has done a great job of bringing in some of New York City's favorite spots. It's great commerce for Darien."

Giving back to the community is important for Kfoury. All proceeds from Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, will go to the Darien Arts Center.

"They're amazing what they're doing," Kfoury said of the center.

"This is such an unexpected gift. I think this is going to be a really perfect partnership," said Visual Arts Director for the Darien Arts Center Lisa Koorbusch.

Naya and the arts center will continue their partnership beyond opening weekend, Kfoury said, with the hope of collaborating on special events with the community.

"We have a lot in common. We're both organizations that really celebrate what it is like to really be a person," added Darien Arts Center Executive Director George Colabella. "The same way the arts bring very different people together, food brings people together. Maybe at face value, it looks like a strange partnership, but together we're looking at the same people, wanting to accomplish the same thing."

Friday's opening day featured an appearance from Chef Charbel Hayek, winner of "Top Chef" on Bravo. Kfoury said Hayek has become somewhat of an ambassador for Naya.

Opening day also included a wheel in which guests could try their luck spinning it for opportunities to win exciting prizes for the entire family and goodie bags–including items from Naya's exclusive retail partner, Za’atar Road, featuring authentic Lebanese products.

The wheel will return on June 24.

For more information on Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill, check out their website.