A Middle Eastern chain that began their footprint in the Garden State two years ago has their eyes set on the Mile Square City as Naya is plotting their first Hoboken location on the city’s main drag.
During their June 2 meeting, Hoboken Historic Preservation Board is slated to hear an application for the storefront at 216 Washington Street. The space had previously been home to thrift favorite Cheap Maggie’s, which closed earlier this year after quite a long run.
Naya has submitted a signage application for the storefront, a clear indicator that they plan to take over the space. The brand opened in Jersey City’s Exchange Place neighborhood last year after launching their first New Jersey location in Paramus in 2023, which has since closed and been replaced by an outpost in Montvale.
Launched in 2010, Naya focuses on Lebanese flavors and invokes recipes that were passed down from older generations and refined for modern diners. Guests can select a roll, bowl or salad base at Naya while adding proteins like chicken shawarma, shish taouk, kafta lamb kebabs, or falafel.
An epic selection of 17 toppings can be added to the mix including classics like hummus, baba ghannouj, or lemon tahini alongside the tang of toum garlic whip, pickled Lebanese cucumbers, jalapeños and sauces.
The appetizer menu at Naya sports favorites like tabboule or grape leaves plus unique dishes like kibbe (fried beef dumplings) or rekakat (three Mediterranean cheeses wrapped in phyllo, deep-fried). Desserts like a nutty baklava or nammoura round out the menu.
While it’s too early to say exactly when Hoboken’s spin on Naya will see the light of day, the board’s potential approval of the application would be the first step towards construction beginning at the site.
