Maoz Vegetarian

Maoz Vegetarian is a fast-casual restaurant brand that specializes in fresh, customizable vegetarian and vegan fare, anchored by its signature falafel sandwiches and self-serve salad bars. The company was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam by Dany and Natoom Cohen, who set out to bring healthy, Mediterranean-inspired street food to a global audience. The concept proved straightforward and durable: a focused menu built around falafel, pita, and an array of self-serve salads and toppings that let customers build their own meals.

Maoz expanded internationally throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, establishing locations in major European cities including London, Paris, and Barcelona before entering the U.S. market. By the early 2010s, the brand had opened flagship stores in New York, Philadelphia, and other urban centers, typically in high-foot-traffic areas and near university campuses. The company's compact, high-turnover format proved well suited to dense retail environments and food court settings.

As of November 2025, Maoz operates primarily through a single U.S. location in New York City, representing a contraction from its earlier peak footprint. The brand maintains a handful of international outposts and has adopted a conservative growth posture focused on maintaining quality and brand recognition in core urban markets rather than pursuing aggressive expansion. The company remains independent and continues to accept franchise inquiries, though expansion remains limited.

For landlords and developers in urban retail corridors and mixed-use properties, Maoz represents an established, credible tenant with a proven track record in walkable, high-density neighborhoods. Its flexible format and demonstrated ability to operate successfully in tight urban spaces make it a viable option for retail leasing in major metropolitan areas where plant-based dining options are in demand.