In the heart of Charlotte, NC, a culinary revolution has been quietly unfolding since 2014. Khuram and Damaris Bashir, a couple hailing from Pakistan and the Dominican Republic respectively, embarked on a gastronomic adventure that would forever change the city’s food landscape. Their brainchild, Mi Barrio Halal Latin Grill, became the cornerstone of what would evolve into a thriving Halal food empire.
The Birth of a Culinary Fusion
The Bashirs’ story began in New York in 2000, where they not only found love but also discovered a shared passion for celebrating their diverse heritage through food. Drawing inspiration from Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines, they crafted homemade recipes that married bold flavors with Halal principles.
In 2014, the couple took a leap of faith, moving to Charlotte with their children and nothing but their dreams. They opened Mi Barrio Halal Latin Grill, a brick-and-mortar establishment that would become the launchpad for their future endeavors. The restaurant’s name itself is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity– “Mi Barrio” meaning neighborhood in Spanish, “Halal” representing the Muslim dietary laws, and “Latin Grill” adding an English touch.
The Rise of Halal Food Carts
From these humble beginnings, Halal Food Cart has expanded to nine locations across Charlotte, each bringing its unique blend of flavors to different neighborhoods. The Trade and Tryon location, described as “A Charlotte staple that has become an icon in uptown” by Morgan Frances at Queen City News, continues to be a focal point of the business.
Expanding the Halal Empire
As the popularity of their food carts grew, so did the Bashirs’ ambitions. They expanded their offerings to cater to diverse tastes and locations including a Halal Food Cart, Fish N Chips Cart, and Kati Roll Cart.
Brick-and-Mortar Success: Halal Street Food
Responding to the community’s demand for a sit-down dining experience, the Bashirs launched Halal Street Food. This fast-casual restaurant franchise offers a diverse menu of Halal Mediterranean cuisine with a unique twist of Caribbean flavors. The concept has been so successful that it’s expanding to Camp North End, a dynamic complex in Charlotte NC.
The Heart of Operations: Halal Mobile Kitchen
Behind the scenes, the Halal Mobile Kitchen serves as the nerve center of the growing franchise. This 30,000 square-foot facility functions as a commissary, warehouse, and food truck hub. It’s not just a workspace but a community hub for culinary entrepreneurs, offering essential amenities to fellow food truck operators in Charlotte.
Giving Back: The Halal Foundation
The Bashirs’ success story is not complete without mentioning their commitment to giving back. The Halal Foundation, born from Khuram Bashir’s compassion for the homeless, has served over 100,000 meals at no cost. This tradition began with a simple rule at their first food cart: no one leaves empty-handed.
Damaris Bashir’s passion for aiding orphans has led to global initiatives, including the construction of orphan centers and providing funds to organizations dedicated to orphan welfare worldwide.
A Culinary Legacy
Looking to the Future
As the Halal Food Cart and Halal Street Food franchise continue to grow, the couple remains committed to its core values of quality, authenticity, and community service. With each new expansion, the “Halal family” grows, as does their ability to help people worldwide. The brand is looking to expand nationwide.
The Bashirs’ story is more than just a tale of business success; it’s a narrative of cultural fusion, perseverance, and the power of food to bring people together. From the streets of New York to the heart of Charlotte, their journey embodies the American dream while celebrating global flavors and traditions.
