Growth Chains: Maoz VegetarianGrowth Chains: Maoz Vegetarian

While many U.S. chains harbor hopes of expanding their reach internationally, Maoz Vegetarian, a fast-casual concept that got its start overseas, is now pursuing a strategy of growth in the States.

The chain’s inaugural store debuted in Amsterdam in 1991. Over time Maoz added other units in Nijmegen and Leiden in the Netherlands, as well as in Paris; London; and Barcelona, Spain. Then, officials made the decision to focus exclusively on growth in the United States.

After gaining a toehold in Philadelphia with its first American franchised branch in 2005, Maoz targeted New York, where it now has seven company and franchised units. To oversee its U.S. expansion plans, the chain moved its headquarters to New York in 2008.

Chief operating offic...