Our Story · Since 2011
From one food truck to a growing legacy.
What began as Houston’s first halal food truck grew into a multi-state brand built on authentic Middle Eastern flavor, genuine hospitality, and a community that kept coming back.
Founder Spotlight
Mohammad Altawaha
Founder · Entrepreneur · Podcast Host
Meet the Founder
Mohammad Altawaha, known as Abu Omar.
Originally from Jordan, Mohammad Altawaha came to Houston with an entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong passion for food. After gaining hands-on experience in the restaurant industry, he launched Houston’s first halal food truck in 2011—laying the foundation for Abu Omar Halal.
His approach brought together authentic Middle Eastern flavor, fast service, and genuine hospitality. That same vision continues to guide every Abu Omar Halal food truck and restaurant today.
Discover the Abu Omar Podcast (opens in a new tab)The Brand
The shawarma that started it all.
The original concept began with a mix of Mexican and Middle Eastern halal food, but guests kept returning for the chicken shawarma. That customer favorite helped shape Abu Omar Halal into the focused Middle Eastern street-food brand it is today.
From mobile food trucks to neighborhood restaurants, the goal has remained the same: serve authentic halal food with consistent quality, welcoming hospitality, and flavor people remember.
- 100% Halal
- Signature Chicken Shawarma
Abu Omar Halal in numbers
- Established
- 2011
- Houston, Texas
- Active Locations
- 25
- Trucks & Restaurants
- States Reached
- 5
- Across the United States
- Commitment
- 100%
- Halal
The Journey
A chronicle of flavor & purpose.
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2008
A New Beginning
Mohammad Altawaha arrives in Houston from Jordan and begins gaining hands-on restaurant and operational experience.
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2011
The First Food Truck
Abu Omar launches Houston’s first halal food truck. The original Abu Omar Taco concept combines halal Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors.
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2015
A Stronger Foundation
The concept returns with refined operations, deeper restaurant experience, and a clearer focus on Middle Eastern street food.
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Expansion
From Trucks to Storefronts
The signature chicken shawarma earns a loyal following as Abu Omar Halal expands into food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants in new communities.
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Today
25 Locations · 5 States
A growing multi-state brand still guided by the flavor, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit behind the original Houston food truck.
What Guides Us
More than a meal.
The values behind the first food truck continue to guide every Abu Omar Halal experience today.
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Authentic Flavor
Middle Eastern favorites made with the bold, familiar flavors that built the brand.
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Genuine Hospitality
Warm, welcoming service inspired by the hospitality at the heart of Abu Omar’s story.
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Built for Community
Food trucks and restaurants created to bring people together around halal food.
The Abu Omar Experience
Taste the story for yourself.
Find your nearest Abu Omar Halal and discover the shawarma that started it all.