New York's 'The Halal Guys' Opening in Rockville

ROCKVILLE, MD — The legendary New York City food cart chain Halal Guys plans to open a brick-and-mortar spot in Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville, Bethesda Magazine reports.

“We’re just really, really excited to be bringing this concept into the state,” Rabi Ullah, franchisee for Maryland locations of the restaurants, said. “It just gives the people of Maryland a different option for lunch and dinner.”

Ullah wants the restaurant to fill a void of "very limited halal food options" in Rockville. Diners can expect Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. Gyro, falafel, or chicken can be ordered in a sandwich or platter with toppings like hummus, olives and jalapeños with The Halal Guys' famous white and red sauces.

The restaurant will open at 891A Rockville Pike, taking the place of Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, in late summer or early fall. Ullah said the restaurant will have 15 to 20 seats inside and more seating outside.

The world-renowned international restaurant chain started as a New York City hot dog cart in 1990. As business grew, the original owners — Mohammed Abouelenein, Abdelbaset Elsayed, and Ahmed Elsakaas, who emigrated from Egypt to New York City — recognized a demand from Muslim cab drivers looking for a halal food meal.

Fast forward 25 years and the chain now has five New York City carts, 30 locations around the globe and plans to continue expanding.

"Fans no longer have to be in NYC to experience The Halal Guys as they look to share American Halal Food all over the country and the world," their website states.

Check out the Bethesda Magazine post here.

Photo: The Halal Guys Instagram