The Halal Guys (1990-present)
Three Egyptian immigrants started a hot dog cart in New York City in 1990, later switching to halal chicken and gyro platters. The cart became a late-night institution on 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue.
The cart's popularity grew through word of mouth, drawing long lines and imitators.
The Halal Guys expanded into a global chain with hundreds of locations, including brick-and-mortar restaurants.
The Halal Guys demonstrate how a small, mobile food operation can scale into permanent locations—the same transition Ivorian Way Grill appears to be attempting.
