Popular Greek Chain Nears 100 Locations as Menu Innovation and Industry Acclaim Fuel Significant Brand Performance
San Jose, CA (Restaurant News Release) Nick the Greek, a national chain serving up authentic Greek street food, recorded a strong 2025 that included continued restaurant expansion, a sustained focus on menu innovation and broad industry recognition. Throughout 2025, Nick the Greek opened 14 locations, a nearly 20% increase from the year prior. The popular chain also launched a variety of craveable menu items and earned multiple industry accolades. Nick the Greek is well-positioned for an impressive 2026, fueled by growing consumer demand and increasing interest from savvy entrepreneurs eager to expand their franchise portfolios with a thriving, fast-growing brand built on a foundation of authenticity.
“Last year, Nick the Greek experienced significant success across many critical aspects of our business, and we took another important step forward by growing thoughtfully and investing in the brand,” said Komiel Mohsen, chief operating officer of Nick the Greek. “Driven by new restaurant openings, continued menu evolution and meaningful praise from the industry, 2025 reinforced our strong brand foundation and positions us for even more achievements in the year ahead.”
Nick the Greek fueled its rapid ascent in 2025 by surpassing 90 locations systemwide. The brand’s growing presence now includes key markets such as Orange County (California), Houston and Nashville, setting the stage for even broader expansion in the year ahead. On track to surpass 100 locations by mid-2026, Nick the Greek has effectively doubled its unit count since 2023, with even more notable debuts on the horizon. The sustained growth reflects a proven business model and surging consumer appetites for authentic Greek cuisine delivered in a fast casual format.
In addition to impressive system growth, brand momentum fueled by menu innovation was on full display in 2025 as Nick the Greek unveiled a tasty assortment of new menu items: the Mediterranean Bowl, Tahini Crunch Salad, Chopped Salad, Pistachio Cream “Dubai Chocolate” Froyo and Steak Pita. The five new dishes were created by the founders of Nick the Greek in collaboration with new Nick the Greek chef, Luis Moreno, who brings decades of culinary excellence in the fine dining and fast casual spaces to the brand. Shortly after launching, the Mediterranean Bowl became one of the brand’s top sellers and drove a notable increase in sales and guest frequency. The Mediterranean Bowl helped to push bowl sales up nearly 70%. In May, the health-forward Tahini Crunch and Chopped Salads, which debuted during National Salad Month, quickly became the brand’s best-selling salads. June’s wildly successful introduction of the limited-time Pistachio Cream “Dubai Chocolate” Froyo, inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend, lifted the brand to a 54% increase in frozen yogurt sales. The September launch of the Steak Pita also delivered strong performance, with the gyros and pitas category increasing by 20.9% and outperforming overall menu growth during the same period. The sweeping popularity of every new menu item launched in 2025 underscored Nick the Greek’s commitment to thoughtfully developed offerings that are distinctively Greek inspired and resonate with guests.
Nick the Greek’s strong 2025 performance was reflected in an array of high-profile industry accolades. The brand earned a spot on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500® list, debuting at #385 overall and #105 in the food category. Nick the Greek also was recognized by Fast Casual’s 2025 Top 100 Movers & Shakers at #75. Additionally, Nick the Greek climbed to #318 on the Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Business annual rankings of the Top 500 Restaurant Chains, up from #377 in 2024. In all, Nick the Greek recorded a significant year-over-year gain across multiple respected industry benchmarks.
Nick the Greek has greatly accelerated expansion efforts in recent years, adding dozens of new locations and increasing its store count by nearly 100 percent since 2021. Today, guests can find Nick the Greek restaurants throughout eight states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Utah and Tennessee. By strategically establishing locations in high-visibility downtown metro areas, Nick the Greek has reached large audiences and steadily developed a diverse and devoted fan base. The brand has identified key markets throughout the U.S. and is seeking franchise partners interested in expanding their portfolios with a progressive fast casual brand on the rise. To view the full menu and nutritional information, and to find the nearest Nick the Greek location, go to NickTheGreek.com.
About Nick the Greek
Founded in 2014 by three cousins – Big Nick, Little Nick and Baby Nick Tsigaris, all named after their grandfather per Greek tradition, Nick the Greek is a family-friendly fast casual restaurant offering authentic Greek street food. Specializing in gyros and souvlaki, the menu features flavorful rotisserie meats, charbroiled skewers, zesty sauces and the freshest vegetables. The brand boasts nearly 100 locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Utah and Tennessee, with dozens more in the works across the United States. With streamlined operations, a menu focused on quality, sleek restaurant design and high consumer demand for fresh, authentic Greek flavors, Nick the Greek is primed for expansion over the next several years. For more information, visit NickTheGreek.com.
Media Contact:
Selena Lane
Powerhouse+Co.
selena@powerhouseandco.com