The Halal Guys and Just Falafel Heading to Houston

QSR Magazine reports NYC–based Halal street-food concept, The Halal Guys, is coming to H-Town. According to the restaurant industry magazine, "a new franchisee signed on to develop five units in the Houston area." Earlier this year, Eater New York noted the cult favorite food cart  was on the "brink of a massive international expansion" after signing a franchise deal with Fransmart (the franchise development company behind Five Guys Burgers and Fries). Apparently Houston was part of that equation and it makes sense with the city's large Muslim community, the largest in the state.

The Halal Guys are known for their meat platters served over rice (typically chicken and gyro) and topped with a white sauce. The only concept to come close to The Halal Guys cart in Houston is Gyro King, a food truck located in the Medical Center, but with several brick & mortar location in the works, can the NYC import compete with beloved Jones Fried Chicken? Details regarding the locations and expected opening dates for the forthcoming restaurant aren't available yet, but plans are in place to expand to Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, Southern California and the Philippines.

Also coming to Houston soon is United Arab Emirates-based franchise Just Falafel. This summer, Arabian Business.com announced a franchise deal in place to bring the Middle Eastern chain to Houston and Austin. Falafels are at the center of the menu with sandwich offerings that highlight various regions around the globe, organic salads, and date cakes for dessert.