A new restaurant offering halal-certified food is set to open this week in New Haven.
Yale University Properties said Tuesday that Shah’s Halal Food at The Shops at Yale will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday at 10 a.m. The restaurant is located at 286 York St.
Established in Queens, New York, in 2005 with a single food cart serving family recipes, Shah’s Halal has grown to more than 90 restaurant locations. This is the first New Haven location for owners Rafi and Mohammed Mashriqi, and Shah’s 11th in Connecticut.
The restaurant features the flavors of the Middle East and 100% halal-certified food.
Halal certification attests that the food and meats are carefully selected and prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary principles, including the ethical treatment of animals.
Shah’s Halal serves a variety of platters, gyros, burgers, salads and vegan options, all made with fresh vegetables and responsibly sourced meats.
At 10 a.m. on Thursday, community partners will join the store owners and Yale University Properties for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the restaurant. In addition, free meals will be given away from 4 to 6 p.m.
Co-founder and CEO Khalid Mashriqi said Shah’s Halal intentionally selects neighborhoods with rich histories and vibrant, diverse communities.
“New Haven is a historical city, and with Yale’s student base, it is the perfect community to share our love of halal food with Gen Z foodies,” he said.
