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HEADQUARTERS: Chicago
SEGMENT: fast casual
NO. OF UNITS: 3
LEADERSHIP: co-founders Shoaib Aziz, finance manager; Imran Kasbati, operations manager; Munaf Kasbati, marketing director; and Henry Nuguid, executive chef
YEAR FOUNDED: 2009
METHOD OF GROWTH: franchising

Fast Casual’s 2011 Top 100 Movers and Shakers ranks the restaurant-industry segment’s best brands based on innovation, sales and unit growth, marketing successes, and food quality.

It’s easy and affordable to eat healthier in 2011 when you slip into one of the I Dream of Falafel locations in downtown Chicago.

Both locations offer items made with high-quality ingredients and the ethnic flavors make healthy eating a joy. What would you rather have for lunch? A microwaved Lean Cuisine meal, another ho-hum salad or Hummus, Baba Ganoujeh, juicy Shawerma, Kefta or Falafels capped with a fresh, savory sauce?

What is it about businessmen and falafel? Chicago isn’t exactly known for its fried chickpea scene, but there are a surprising number of falafel restaurants huddled together in the Loop.

Are you dreaming of falafel? Well, even if you are not craving it enough to be dreaming of it, fans of fresh, fast Mediterranean food are in luck because Chicago restaurant, I Dream of Falafel, has opened a second branch in the Loop (112 W Monroe). Their original store (331 S Franklin) is still thriving but now hungry lunch-goers in a hurry can choose between one of the two restaurants at their convenience, and the new location even features extended hours.

I Dream of Falafel on Franklin near Jackson St. is a foodie’s lunchtime dream come true. Mediterranean quick-service competitors Roti and Benjyehuda are nearby, but patronize those locations for excellent salads and crispy fries, respectively. I Dream of Falafel will transform your lunch hour if you are craving smooth hummus, firm falafel, or flavorful shawerma.