The Halal Guys Identify First San Diego Site

The Halal Guys, a fast-growing halal concept, is getting ready to finally make its debut in San Diego, opening a new location in Hillcrest at 3825 Fifth Ave.

The company’s newest site is set to move into the former home of Breakfast Bitch, according to documents submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. The Halal Guys, which already boasts a heavy presence in the Los Angeles area, announced last year that franchisee Farhan Qadri planned to open at least five locations in the area after signing a franchise agreement but never identified where the restaurant would land. It’s unclear when this location is expected to open.

This is a great achievement for the company, which was started in 1990 by three Egyptian founders, Abdelbaset Elsayed, Mohamed Abouelenein, and Ahmed Elsaka. They first started a hot dog cart in New York City, then pivoted to selling halal food to Muslim taxi drivers who, at the time, had few outlets for authentic halal food in the five boroughs. The Halal Guys is now a global enterprise with over 400 new restaurants in development worldwide. The company is bringing its great food and the ultimate customer experience to several new cities nationwide. In California, the company is planning to open in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and more.

When the new Halal Guys opens in Hillcrest and elsewhere in San Diego, customers can expect chicken and gyro platters over rice, falafel sandwiches, and crave-able sauces. The restaurant also offers various sides and desserts. It’s unclear where else Qadri plans to open his four other locations within San Diego. This is an excellent spot for the franchise owner’s first location, considering how much foot traffic goes through the area from other businesses.