About us

Banzo was born from a late-night conversation between Netalee and Aaron, who, after tiring of New York City’s grind, dreamed of bringing authentic Mediterranean falafel to Madison, WI. They embraced the idea, realizing this dream could fit their budget by trading brick and mortar for metal and wheels… They hit the road from New York with a food cart hitched and hopes high. And so, Banzo began the journey to fill a falafel-sized hole in the lunch scene on University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus in 2012.

The fresh, made-from-scratch falafel and hummus quickly won over students and locals alike. The response was so encouraging that in 2013, we expanded to a takeout and delivery kitchen, and in 2014, we proudly opened our first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Madison’s North Side. Over the years, Banzo has grown thanks to our loyal customers, a supportive community, and a dedicated staff who have influenced everything from décor to our evolving menu. In addition to the restaurant, we have grown to offer extensive catering options, retail products in grocery stores, and a dedicated on-site production kitchen, where we continue to make our entire menu from scratch.

Today, Banzo’s mission remains the same: to serve up delicious and nourishing food made with care. Our staff are eager to welcome you into our restaurant and make you feel at home, healthy, and excited for your next visit. Come say hello and enjoy some happy, healthy eats!