Founded in the humble beginnings of a New York City food cart, The Halal Guys is set to bring its renowned Middle Eastern street food to the vibrant cities of Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids. While specific locations remain unconfirmed, this expansion marks a significant step for the brand, extending its global reach beyond 100 existing restaurants and adding to its impressive development pipeline of 400 additional sites.

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Diners in Iowa can anticipate savoring succulent platters of beef gyro meat, tender chicken, and flavorful falafel, generously served over aromatic rice. Alternatively, they can opt for classic sandwiches enveloped in warm pita bread, each bite a testament to the culinary tradition that has garnered The Halal Guys its international acclaim. Although massively popular in areas such as New York, it remains to be seen whether Iowa will take to halal gyros or whether this chain will struggle.

The restaurant’s journey began in 1990 when three Egyptian immigrants, Abdelbaset Elsayed, Mohamed Abouelenein, and Ahmed Elsaka, arrived in New York City with a dream. Initially offering hot dogs, they soon recognized the demand for halal options among the city’s Muslim taxi drivers. This pivotal adaptation led to the creation of their signature platters and sandwiches, catapulting The Halal Guys to culinary stardom.