Welcome Aboard: Naz’s Halal

Naz’s Halal Food was founded in 2009 by cousins Naz and Kareem, both public school teachers in New York City, and coming from a family rooted in restaurant ownership. What began as a passion project and side hustle—a halal food truck in Queens serving rice platters, gyros, wings, burgers, and more—quickly gained traction thanks to its flavorful, fast‑serving approach and generous portions.

After nearly a decade on the road, Naz’s Halal opened its first brick-and-mortar location in January 2018, marking a major milestone in transitioning from mobile to retail service. Since then, the brand has expanded rapidly: by 2025, it had grown to over 40 locations nationwide, with plans to reach around 60 by the end of 2025.

Drawing on their experiences as educators, Naz and Kareem infused the business with values like dedication, mentorship, and community — treating both customers and employees like family. Their signature late-night hours, friendly service, and commitment to quality helped them carve out a strong niche in the halal fast‑casual scene.

What others are saying about: Naz’s Halal

“Great food, and the portions are amazing as well! I ordered a mix over rice and had so much leftover and was super full, on top of that the food was super tasty and their white sauce! Definitely recommend.” -Actual customer review

Right-Fit Franchisees

Naz’s Halal is committed to growing their franchise system with right-fit franchisees. They recently engaged Zorakle Profiles in a research project to determine the DNA of their ideal franchisee. Zorakle’s SpotOn! Blueprint uses 7 statistically validated sciences to determine the attributes that separate high-performing franchisees from low performers. Welcome Aboard Naz’s Halal.

Learn more about: Naz’s Halal