NYC-based fast food chain 'The Halal Guys' coming to Toronto

The Halal Guys carts in NYC (The Halal Guys/Facebook)

A popular New York City-based fast food chain is heading north of the border, planning to open its first Canadian franchises in Toronto.

"The Halal Guys" began as a New York City food cart in 1990, and expanded to a series of carts located across Manhattan. The company calls itself the leader in American Halal food and is known for platters of chicken or lamb and rice, served up in ample portions for US$6.

The red-and-yellow carts have been known to draw long lineups, and reviews from visitors and residents alike call the food "famous."

The Halal Guys are such a staple that Reebok recently introduced a specialty sneaker inspired by the carts.

Last year, The Halal Guys teamed up with franchise development company Fransmart to grow the company across the U.S. After closing deals in California, New Jersey, Connecticut and other U.S. states, the company decided to expand to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Soon, the famed chicken and rice will also be sold in Toronto. A representative of Fransmart said the company is still evaluating real estate opportunities, but confirmed to CTVNews.ca that five franchises will open in the Toronto area.

Fransmart Vice President of Marketing Kristin Martonik said the franchises will be in the form of restaurants, not carts.

The company has yet to release information on when the locations will open.