The Halal Guys are coming to Garden Oaks. Local franchisee Masroor Fatany tells CultureMap that he has purchased a former pawn shop at 3008 Ella Blvd. and intends to open his fourth Houston-area location there this fall.
“We’ve been looking in The Heights and Garden Oaks for almost a year now. We were really close to signing a lease, but then as I was driving by I saw this was for sale,” Fatany says. “I love the freeway access. The fact that you can make a left turn to get to 610. There’s a lot of good energy around this area that led me to buy this.”
In addition to the convenient location, Fatany says he likes that the building has plenty of parking and is large enough to be divided to accommodate at least one other restaurant. He’s in active negotiations with another tenant that he thinks will complement the Halal Guys’ offerings.
For those who missed its frantic opening at the beginning of 2016 — when the lines snaked out of the building, and police officers were on hand to direct traffic — The Halal Guys serves gyro and chicken as either wrap sandwiches or over rice. The combination of the tender meat with the restaurant's signature tangy white and spicy red sauces produces an addictive flavor. Late-night hours help make it a popular choice for those who need sustenance at times when most other restaurants are closed.
While the hype may have died down, Fatany says the restaurant remains popular. He’s seen double-digit growth year over year at both his original location and his second location in west Houston. His third outpost in the Texas Medical Center is off to a strong start.
All of that growth has Fatany thinking he can open three or four more locations in Houston. From there, he’ll turn his attention to San Antonio and College Station.
Asked about the reasons for the restaurant’s success, he offers a simple explanation, even if the process sounds incredibly complicated.
“I think the story of the brand, how it started, the simple menu, and the fact that we execute every day with fresh ingredients and great service really puts it all together,” he says.
Rice platters are coming to Garden Oaks.
