Khaleb Shawarma Competitors

The Halal Guys embody the spirit of the American Dream. Founded in 1990 by three Egyptian immigrants, this iconic brand is more than just a name—it’s a legacy of cultural tradition, hard work, and a commitment to bringing people together over food. It all began with a hot dog cart in the heart of New York City. But these founders quickly noticed a need for something new: authentic halal food. They pivoted, serving up American Halal on the corner of 53rd & 6th Avenue, creating a haven for Muslim taxi drivers who craved a taste of home. Word spread, and soon, that corner cart was drawing crowds from all walks of life, all eager to experience the fresh, vibrant flavors that would soon make The Halal Guys legendary. By 2017, The Halal Guys was not just New York City’s top spot on Yelp but also the restaurant recommended by Siri when anyone asked for the best eats in the city. Their commitment to freshness, taste, and value became a hallmark, inspiring the long, winding lines that have come to symbolize the brand. From day to night, The Halal Guys became an essential stop for everyone—from the lunchtime rush to midnight cravings. Today, The Halal Guys stands as a global phenomenon, with over 100 locations worldwide and 400+ more in development. They’re bringing American Halal food to people everywhere, transforming a single food cart’s mission into a world-spanning celebration of taste and tradition.

We are a collection of great Middle Eastern Restaurants with 11 locations throughout the Washington, DC/ Baltimore corridor with six full-service restaurants, four cafes, a market and full service catering. We are a family-owned, growth-oriented company that seeks to exceed guests’ expectations. We consistently deliver quality food and service which ensures multiple return visits from our guests. We pride ourselves on making our guests feel like regulars on their first visit. We foster high professional standards in a pleasant, yet challenging work atmosphere. We have a strong belief in employee appreciation and reward commitment and achievement. Our philosophy is that our dining room is an extension of our home. We extend this warmth and hospitality to our guests as if they all were our family and friends. This is the cornerstone of our success.

Athenian Grill was founded by Ilias Pappas, a Greek native and hospitality management major at the University of Kentucky. Ilias grew up in a small town near Athens watching his mom cook lamb on the open fire and his grandmother bake homemade pita bread in the family's clay oven. Today, Ilias' vision of partnering with local farms and businesses to bring fresh, authentic Greek food to Lexington is supported by a dedicated, hardworking and growing team. Together they serve up quality food that hungry Lexingtonians can truly enjoy and feel good about!