NAYA Wins Anthem Award for Growth with Purpose
The Scoop

When growth means giving back, everyone wins.  

We have some exciting news to share: NAYA has been named a Winner in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Sustainability, Environment & Climate category at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards.

The Award recognizes our Growth with Purpose initiative—a program that ensures every new NAYA opening drives real, measurable support in the communities we join. Out of more than 2,000 submissions from 42 countries, we're honored that our approach to expansion was selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

What Growth with Purpose Means

Since launching in 2024, we've built community partnership into our expansion strategy. It's simple: for each new restaurant opening, we partner with local organizations addressing food insecurity, housing instability, or sustainability. Growth doesn't just mean more locations—it means more impact in the neighborhoods we call home.

"Each new NAYA opening is an opportunity to become part of the neighborhood—listening, partnering, and supporting the communities we serve," says Hady Kfoury, NAYA Founder and CEO. "By collaborating with local organizations that understand the greatest needs, and inviting our guests to join in that effort, we're able to make a meaningful impact together."

Impact by the Numbers

In its first year, Growth with Purpose delivered measurable results across 100% of our 10 new openings:

2,755 meals donated to neighbors facing food insecurity

$32,761.91 contributed directly to community nonprofits

Partnerships with organizations like Rethink Food, The Coalition for the Homeless, Rosie's Place, New York Cares, and The Billion Oyster Project

These numbers represent real people, real meals, and real change in the neighborhoods where we operate. And we're just getting started.

A Milestone Year for NAYA

The Award arrives during a milestone year for NAYA. We recently opened our 42rd location across the Northeast, and with every new market we enter, we're scaling our community impact model right alongside it.

This recognition is rooted in Lebanese culture and the values NAYA was built on: nourishing people through food and connection. Whether it's a bowl of chicken shawarma or a partnership with a local nonprofit, it's all part of the same mission—bringing people together and supporting the communities we serve.

What's Next

We're proud of what we've accomplished in year one, but Growth with Purpose is a long-term commitment within our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. As we continue expanding toward our goal of 200 locations by 2030, every new opening will include a community partnership. Every neighborhood is different, and we're committed to listening, learning, and supporting what matters most locally.

"This has been a challenging year for the impact sector, but the Winners of the 5th Annual Anthem Awards have shown their resilience and continued commitment to a better tomorrow," said Patricia McLoughlin, Anthem Awards General Manager. "This year's winners are a source of hope, and I am excited to celebrate their work with the world today."