Catch up quick: As CEO of Bella Restaurants Group, Nafaa is also the founder of Italian restaurant Mia Bella, creperie Coco and tapas spot Mi Luna.

• ZOA, which opened in 2020, is named for Nafaa's three sons: Zack, Omar and Adam.

We talked to Nafaa all about what makes ZOA a Houston favorite.

Why did you start ZOA?

• I was thinking about the concept of a fast-casual Moroccan restaurant 13 years ago.
• I wanted to make it simple: Anything that we make is fresh, nothing is out of a can or package. We only use olive or avocado oil, no preservatives. And I was keeping in mind myself — who has sensitivity to many foods — when I was making the menu.

How do you build trust with your customers?

• For me, I take things to heart. Our food is very [reasonably-priced] but it's fresh. When you have our bowl, I promise you you'll come back.

How do customers find ZOA?

• Our reviews are amazing. It's word of mouth and social media.

What advice do you have for aspiring small food business owners?

• If you don't enjoy it, don't get into it. You have to have the passion, the desire to serve.
• Once you think about making money, that's when you lose.

What's next: The first ZOA location opened in 2020, and Nafaa is preparing to open a fourth location close to Memorial City Mall this fall.

• After that: Nafaa's lawyer son, Adam, is looking to launch ZOA in cities including D.C. and Dallas.