Halal Papi owner Ahmad Elattar wants to open a second location in the McKinney area after a first year in Allen.
Elattar and his business partner and brother-in-law Adam Khalid launched the restaurant at 1206 E. Main St. in November 2025, according to Community Impact Newspaper. It is the brand's first location.
Elattar said his five-year goal is to grow by adding one new location each year. He told Community Impact the Allen community has been very supportive.
The food
The concept draws on New York City halal carts. When Elattar lived in New York City, halal carts serving rice with chicken, lamb and white sauce sat on every corner, he said. He wanted to bring those flavors to Allen.
"It's not fast food, but it's like a home-cooked meal that's served to you fast," Elattar said.
The online menu lists build-your-own halal plates with one, two or three proteins. Guests choose a base such as a rice bowl, tacos or salad bowl, then pick proteins including house chicken, lamb gyro, falafel and seasoned beef. Chef-suggested rice bowls come in five varieties: jerk chicken, house chicken, lamb gyro, seasoned beef and musakhan chicken.
Musakhan is a Palestinian dish of slow-cooked chicken with caramelized onions and sumac.
Sides include seasoned fries, falafel, hummus, tzatziki and pita. For dessert, the menu lists stuffed churros tossed in cinnamon sugar, stuffed with dulce de leche and drizzled with Nutella. Beverages include Maine Root organic fountain sodas, Jarritos and Vimto.
