Meet the Team

Built by Educators, Driven by Excellence

The story of Naz’s Halal begins in the classroom. Our founders, Kareem and Naz, both started as teachers—and that educational foundation became the blueprint for our brand. Their systematic approach now powers a franchise system that significantly outperforms industry standards, generating higher sales per square foot despite smaller physical footprints.

When you join Naz’s Halal, you’re partnering with leaders who understand that success comes from strong systems and genuine investment in people.

Meet Our Talented Team

Gerry Henley

President of Franchise Operations

Gerry leads strategic planning, operational management, and franchise development for Naz’s Halal. He’s proud of the brand’s growth to over 45 successful units, supported by an amazing team behind the scenes. What stood out to him from the start was the humility and loyalty of the founding team—qualities that continue to resonate with him.

  • Naz’s Halal Fave: Combo over rice with white, hot and green sauce.

  • Fun Fact: Off the clock, you’ll find Gerry on a boat with his family, riding his bicycle or tending his flower gardens.

Mohammad Nasir Mashriqi

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Nasir—the “Naz” in Naz’s Halal—plays a key role in decision-making and oversees the financial structure that supports the business. He’s proud of the hard work the entire team has put into building the brand. Inspired by family and a love for food, he brings intention and focus to every aspect of his role.

  • Naz’s Halal Fave: Double cheeseburger.

  • Fun Fact: Everything Naz is building is for his family.

Kristina Centnere

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Kristina leads marketing strategy and brand development for Naz’s Halal, working across departments to build clarity, consistency, and connection as the company grows. She’s proud of—and inspired by—the team she works with every day, and in awe of the hard work and heart that have shaped the brand from the start. What drew her in was the humility and determination of the people behind the company, and their desire to build something bigger than themselves.

  • Naz’s Halal Fave: Fried fish over rice with green sauce.

  • Fun Fact: Kristina’s excitement for the brand led her to open her own Naz’s Halal location.

Dominique Main

Vice President of Franchise Development

Dominique leads franchise development strategy for Naz’s Halal, helping guide new owners into business ownership with clarity, confidence, and purpose. She brings nearly two decades of experience in franchising, from operations leadership to national growth consulting. What drew her in was the team’s heart and hustle—and their commitment to building something meaningful in every community they serve. She’s inspired by the brand’s momentum, grounded by its mission, and driven to help others find success in a system built on flavor, opportunity, and integrity.

  • Naz’s Halal Fave: Falafel over rice with white and hot sauce.

  • Fun Fact: Dominique plays guitar and keys, rides a Ducati, and has two sons who keep her humble, inspired, and always reaching higher.

Elizabeth Sandoz

Director of Franchise Development

Elizabeth leads the national expansion of Naz’s Halal Food, bringing the brand’s bold flavors and proven systems to new communities across the U.S. She focuses on identifying the right franchise partners, high-potential markets, and scalable growth strategies, guiding owners from first inquiry to grand opening. What drew her to Naz’s Halal was the team’s heart, hustle, and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs. She’s inspired by helping driven franchisees succeed while maintaining the culture, integrity, and consistency that make the brand stand out.

  • Naz’s Halal Fave: Falafel over rice with white and green sauce.

  • Fun Fact: Off the clock, Elizabeth enjoys building connections through networking, teaching Sunday school, and loves cycling and pickleball.