Halal Guys to add four more Arizona locations

Chain plans additional Ariz. locations

The first Arizona location of The Halal Guys is on the cusp of its first birthday. On Dec. 9, the international chain opened its second Arizona location. Soon, a third will launch at Christown Spectrum Mall in Phoenix. And even more are on the way.

The first Arizona location of The Halal Guys is on the cusp of its first birthday. And true to owner AJ Ahmad’s word, the Tempe shop is just the beginning.

On Dec. 9, the popular international chain opened its second Arizona location in Ahwatukee, near Ray Road and 48th Street. Soon, a third will launch at Christown Spectrum Mall in Phoenix. And even more are on the way, with Mesa, Chandler and Avondale also slated for the first half of 2018.

“Tempe has been successful from the get go,” Melissa Curtin, director of operations for the Arizona ownership group, told The Republic on Friday.

Curtin said the locations for the next four outlets are set, and two have opening dates: ❚ In Phoenix, at Christown Spectrum Mall, next to Target, at Bethany Home Road and 19th Avenue: Opens Jan. 9. ❚ In Mesa, at 1859 S. Stapley Drive: Opens on Feb. 19.

❚ In Chandler, near Gilbert and Germann roads: Opens in the first half of 2018.

❚ In Avondale: near 99th Avenue and McDowell Road: Opens in the first half of 2018.

Curtin noted “99th and McDowell is booming with growth. We’re really excited to be in the West Valley.”

Founded by three Egyptian immigrants in 1990, the Halal Guys originally was a network of New York City street carts serving falafel, gyros and grilled chicken. After achieving crossover success in New York and cult status among a legion of fans, The Halal Guys inked a deal in 2014 with Fransmart, best known for turning Five Guys and Qdoba into national franchises.

Ahmad, an Arizona State University graduate, obtained the franchise rights in Arizona and announced plans to open 15 locations over five years.

Curtin said that rollout plan is right on track.

“We still need to be in north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and downtown (Phoenix),” she said. “As the real estate sites open up, we’re waiting and watching for the best spots we can find in those markets.”