National Fast-Casual Street Food Concept Expands Regional Footprint Into Santa Ana
A popular dining concept known for authentic flavors is growing its presence in Southern California. Nick the Greek is now open in Santa Ana, marking the seventh restaurant for the brand in Orange County. The new restaurant is owned and operated by longtime franchisee Vipul Katariya, who already operates the brand’s locations in Yorba Linda, Ventura, and North Hollywood. Katariya is also scheduled to open at least two additional locations alongside business partner Hany Ghatta. For more than a decade, the business has aimed to satisfy diners through a diverse menu of tasty pitas, bowls, salads, desserts and more.
Strong Growth Potential for Experienced Franchise Operators
Local operators are finding distinct advantages in backing the fast-casual concept. The combination of flexible operational layouts and a highly distinct menu continues to attract multi-unit developers looking to expand in competitive dining markets.
“As a franchisee seeking new opportunities, I was drawn to Nick the Greek’s flavorful menu, flexible footprint and strong growth potential,” said Katariya. “Four locations later – and with more to come – I’m confident the brand’s business model will continue to thrive in communities like Santa Ana, where flavor, convenience and authenticity resonate with guests.”
Authentic Street Food Traditions Drive the Diverse Menu
Established in 2014 by cousins Big Nick, Little Nick, and Baby Nick Tsigaris – who were all named after their grandfather per Greek tradition – the brand satisfies the modern desire for healthy, flavorful, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a fast-casual environment without compromising on overall quality.
Drawing on multiple generations of restaurant entrepreneurship and countless visits to Greece, the street-food-inspired menu features a variety of signature options, including:
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In-House Gyro Meats: Cooked on a traditional vertical rotisserie.
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Charbroiled Souvlaki Skewers: Prepared with fresh proteins and savory seasonings.
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Traditional Sides and Sweets: Zesty sauces, fresh vegetables, baklava, and authentic Greek donuts.
By meeting the high consumer demand for authentic Greek street food, the brand has carved out a sizeable and attractive niche in the ultra-competitive fast-casual marketplace, providing a differentiator that underpins its ongoing growth.
Strategic National Expansion Patterns for Nick the Greek
Since 2023, the brand has nearly doubled its total store count and continues to accelerate expansion efforts throughout the country. Today, hungry guests can find these restaurants operating across eight states, including Arizona, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. By thoughtfully establishing locations in high-visibility downtown metro areas, the business has reached large audiences and steadily developed a highly devoted fan base.
The new Santa Ana restaurant operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To view the full lineup of items and nutritional information, or to find the nearest dining spot, guests can check out NickTheGreek.com.