Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, a 14-unit fast casual concept owned by Craveworthy Brands, has officially launched its franchising program. This move positions the brand to take advantage of the explosive growth in the Mediterranean fast casual segment, while also going head-to-head with category leader Cava.

Why Franchising Now?

Although Taim is still relatively small compared to established players, franchising allows it to tap into local operator capital and scale much faster than relying on company-owned expansion alone. The brand’s initial target markets include Washington, D.C., Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania — all strongholds where Cava already has a major presence.

Industry Context

Traditionally, many fast casual leaders like Chipotle and Cava have leaned on company-operated stores to maintain control and consistency. But with Mediterranean cuisine seeing a 10.2% year-over-year increase in consumer demand (Q1 2025, Technomic), the timing may be ideal for a challenger like Taim to secure franchise partners hungry for growth in a booming segment.

Taim’s diverse menu — featuring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options — further broadens its customer appeal. Recent innovations, including Beef and Lamb Shawarma, Baharat-Spiced Pita Chips, and Roasted Mushrooms, highlight the brand’s commitment to continuous product development.

The Competitive Landscape

Taim is not the first to introduce franchising in this space. Taziki’s Mediterranean Kitchen has been franchising since 2013, though its footprint has fluctuated over the years. Meanwhile, Craveworthy Brands’ multi-brand structure could provide franchisees with the tools, support, and cross-brand expertise needed to succeed.

The challenge remains formidable: Cava currently operates more stores in Maryland than Taim has systemwide. History has also shown that simply being in a trending category is no guarantee of success, as seen when Roti filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Nevertheless, Taim’s franchise launch signals confidence that there’s still “massive opportunity for a concept like Taim,” according to Craveworthy CEO Gregg Majewski.

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Why This Matters for Franchise Investors

For prospective franchisees, Taim’s entry into franchising underscores a larger industry trend: Mediterranean fast casual is heating up. Demand for health-conscious, customizable menus continues to rise, and the opportunity to partner early with an emerging brand in this space could be attractive to investors seeking growth potential outside oversaturated categories like burgers, chicken, or pizza.

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How ChickenFranchiseMaster.com Can Help

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