According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit, construction on the new iteration of ZOA Moroccan Kitchen is currently underway and slated to wrap up soon. If all goes well with the estimated $250,000 construction project and permitting, ZOA Eateries is expected to open by this summer.
“Remodel of existing coffee shop for use as a fast casual restaurant,” the permit reads.
What Now Houstonbriefly spoke with owner Youssef Nafaa, who confirmed the opening. Unfortunately, Nafaa was unable to share further details about the exciting new development by the time of this publication.
“ZOA Moroccan Kitchen brings vibrant, authentic Moroccan flavors to a fast-casual setting with exceptional service, quality, and integrity, sharing Morocco’s rich culinary heritage with the community and beyond,” the ZOA Moroccan Kitchen website reads.
“ZOA has something to satisfy every palate and dietary need. Enjoy our gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.”
ZOA Eateries, as mentioned, formerly ZOA Moroccan Kitchen, was founded in Houston in 2020 by Moroccan-born chef and restaurateur Nafaa. Inspired by his youth and family recipes, Nafaa designed the fast-casual concept to offer customizable, authentic Moroccan and broader Mediterranean street food, like bowls, pitas, and breakfast items.
There are now two ZOA Moroccan Kitchen eateries open and operating in the Greater Houston region. A third location in Bellaire recently closed in March of this year. The new opening coming to Memorial City is essentially a relocation of that location, but with an updated menu to cater to the area’s office workers.
ZOA will continue to offer meal-prep packages, but in addition, customers can also create their own bowls, sandwiches, and can purchse ready made combos from the new ZOA Eateries. ZOA will also debut several new breakfast items, including coffee and pastries.
“ZOA Moroccan Kitchen intends to maintain that wholesome dinner experience in an innovative and modern style. At ZOA, the traditional table is in your bowl or sandwich,” the brand’s website reads.
“We bring you a modernized Moroccan table through our fast line of traditional and authentic Moroccan dishes! From Jazmine Saffron Rice to mixed greens, from halal proteins like Chermoula Chicken to Potato Cakes, and from a wide range of veggie toppings, there is a seat for everyone at our table!”
The new concept comes from the Bella Restaurants Group, which Nafaa also runs. Bella Restaurants concepts include Coco Crepes & Coffee, Mia Bella Trattoria, and the ZOA Moroccan Kitchen chain of restaurants.
ZOA Eateries is anticipated to open in the Air Liquide Center North at 9807 Katy Freeway, Suite 140, this summer.
ZOA Eateries will offer an extensive menu for customers to make their own bowls. (Image Credit: ZOA Eateries Facebook)
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Candese Charles first fell in love with journalism in the second grade, when she started the Charles Gazette. Since then, her career as a journalist has taken her to TV screens in New Orleans, the Bay Area, and Las Vegas. She believes that a good story has the power to change the world or at least change the way you think about food. Food is a love language for her, as both her father and brother are chefs. Originally from Los Angeles, after a trek across the country for her career as a TV news reporter, she's happy to call North Las Vegas home. When she's not writing about the hottest and newest restaurants, she's spending time with her family, catching concerts and music festivals, or brunching with her besties. She's excited to bring you a delicious bite of the next big restaurant.
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