The Halal Guys Inc.

The Halal Guys is a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain that began as a humble food cart in New York City in 1990. Founded by Egyptian immigrants Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka, and Abdelbaset Elsayed, the brand has grown into a global sensation. It offers authentic American Halal cuisine to a diverse clientele.

Initially, the founders operated a hot dog cart but shifted their focus to serving Halal dishes when they recognized the demand among New York City's Muslim taxi drivers. This pivot led to signature offerings such as platters of chicken or gyro meat served over rice, falafel sandwiches, and their iconic white sauce. These dishes quickly gained popularity beyond the Muslim community to a broader audience eager for new and exotic flavors.

Growth and Expansion

The Halal Guys' commitment to quality and customer service has driven their rapid expansion. By 2025, they operate over 400 locations across 17 U.S. states and several international markets including Canada, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Their menu remains simple yet satisfying. It focuses on three main proteins: chicken, gyro, and falafel, served with rice or salad, and topped with either their signature white sauce or hot sauce.

Locations

In California, The Halal Guys have a significant presence with multiple locations in cities such as:

• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Santa Clara
• Costa Mesa
• Tustin
• Fremont
• Sunnyvale
• Glendale

Additionally, they have a key establishment in New Rochelle, NY, USA.

Brand Legacy

The Halal Guys’ journey from a single food cart to a global franchise highlights their dedication to providing high-quality, flavorful Halal food. Their expansion into numerous states and international markets underscores the universal appeal of their offerings and their commitment to sharing authentic American Halal cuisine worldwide.