The fast-casual chain, famous for its chicken-and-rice platters, shawarma wraps, Sriracha honey falafel, and signature white and red sauces, will set up shop in the Hillcrest space that last housed Breakfast Bitch, which closed in 2024 following a high-profile federal conviction and prison sentence for its owner. The Halal Guys' Hillcrest location will mark San Diego's introduction to a dining phenomenon that has already drawn crowds in markets like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas.
The Halal Guys' arrival in San Diego has been a long time coming. The brand first announced plans to expand to the region in 2017 under franchise development company Fransmart. After years of stalled progress, a fresh push came in 2023 when franchisee Farhan Qadri signed a five-unit deal and began scouting locations. The Hillcrest storefront will be the first to open, with additional San Diego County outposts planned in the coming years.
Founded in the early 1990s by Egyptian immigrants Mohammed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsakaas, and Abdelbaset Elsayed, The Halal Guys began as a humble food cart serving late-night meals to taxi drivers in midtown Manhattan. The brand has since grown into the largest American Halal street food concept in the world, with more than 100 restaurants across the United States and overseas, and hundreds more in development. With its loyal following, cult-favorite sauces, and simple, crave-worthy menu, The Halal Guys is poised to make a big splash when doors open in San Diego.
The Halal Guys is anticipated to open in early September at 3825 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit thehalalguys.com.
The Halal Guys' arrival in San Diego has been a long time coming. The brand first announced plans to expand to the region in 2017 under franchise development company Fransmart. After years of stalled progress, a fresh push came in 2023 when franchisee Farhan Qadri signed a five-unit deal and began scouting locations. The Hillcrest storefront will be the first to open, with additional San Diego County outposts planned in the coming years.
Founded in the early 1990s by Egyptian immigrants Mohammed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsakaas, and Abdelbaset Elsayed, The Halal Guys began as a humble food cart serving late-night meals to taxi drivers in midtown Manhattan. The brand has since grown into the largest American Halal street food concept in the world, with more than 100 restaurants across the United States and overseas, and hundreds more in development. With its loyal following, cult-favorite sauces, and simple, crave-worthy menu, The Halal Guys is poised to make a big splash when doors open in San Diego.
The Halal Guys is anticipated to open in early September at 3825 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit thehalalguys.com.
Originally published on August 8, 2025.
