The Halal Guys CEO Ahmed Abouelenein says he's optimistic about the future of New York City, where his business got its start 30 years ago as a popular sidewalk vendor.
"It may take a few months. It may take a year, but I think New York will come back to be better than before, for sure," Abouelenein told Cheddar. "I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel."
The Middle Eastern food chain has continued to expand rapidly during the coronavirus, with three new locations opening in the last three weeks, according to the executive.
Abouelenein said The Halal Guys has been lucky to continue to grow during the pandemic, while so many restaurants have closed shop amid strict shutdown measures.
"It's been very tough," he said. "A lot of restaurants out there did not make it, unfortunately."
One adjustment has been accommodating its customers who are now "more vigilant about safety procedures," he said, which has pushed the company to adopt more intensive cleaning procedures and mask-wearing mandates.
The company used third-party delivery services and curbside pick-up for much of the pandemic, but now it's beginning to open dining rooms as states continue to reopen.
"We're trying to adapt to a new system. We're trying to adapt to the new reality that we're in," he said. "COVID is not going far anytime soon."
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