An American dream come true: The Halal Guys celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Halal Guys, the fast-casual American halal restaurant famous for pioneering halal fare, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary since opening its first cart in Manhattan in 1990. 

Thirty years ago, The Halal Guys’ three founding partners (Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka, and Abdelbaset Elsayed) emigrated from Egypt to New York City to pursue their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs. Starting at the corner of 53rd and 6th Ave in New York City, fast forward to 2020 and The Halal Guys is the original and largest American halal food concept in the world. The brand now operates more than 90 locations within the United States, Canada, Indonesia, South Korea and the United Kingdom. 

As a special thank you to the brand’s loyal fans that have supported its ongoing growth and success for the past 30 years, The Halal Guys will offer several promotions* at participating locations during the brand’s 30th Anniversary Week beginning Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 20: 

  • Every customer that enters a restaurant will receive a free two-ounce serving of The Halal Guys’ new, delicious hummus from Nov. 16 – Nov. 20 (U.S. and Canada only; while supplies last) 
  • The 30th fan to enter each store will receive one The Halal Guys-branded hoodie every day from Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 20 
  • Fans who order through The Halal Guys mobile app between Nov. 16 and Nov. 20 will receive triple bonus points on every order 
  • On Wednesday, Nov. 18 only, The Halal Guys is throwing it back to 1990 and offering the iconic combo platter for the original 1990 price of $5 when ordered through The Halal Guys’ mobile app. 

“It’s an honor to celebrate 30 years in business,” said The Halal Guys CEO, Ahmed Abouelenein. “We are extremely grateful to all the loyal fans who have supported us over the last three decades — from the cart in New York City and now to our restaurants worldwide. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.” 

The Halal Guys will also be partnering with Meals on Wheels during the celebration week as an expression of gratitude to the community for 30 years of support. In commemoration of this great milestone, The Halal Guys will make a $15,000 donation on behalf of its fans to the organization to support its mission to keep older Americans safe and nourished. 

*Promotions are subject to change and while supplies last. 

About The Halal Guys 

The Halal Guys grew from humble beginnings as a food cart on the streets of New York City to a global icon known as the largest American halal street food concept in the world. The food cart was first parked on the corner of 53rd and 6th Avenue in 1990 by three like-minded men from Egypt who came to America in search of a better life. When the founders noticed many Muslim cab drivers in New York City were looking for a place to buy halal food in Manhattan, they created their first food cart that quickly grew into a leading destination for American Halal fare. In 2014, The Halal Guys began expanding its authentic halal cuisine from the food cart into restaurants and now operates more than 90 locations within the United States, Canada, Indonesia, South Korea and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.thehalalguys.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube