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At the young ages of 18 and 20, Vincent Ho and Zack Mahfouz have accomplished an impressive feat – the launch of their first restaurant, Basically Halal, in North Chesterfield.
Basically Halal, situated at 316 N. Arch Road, Suite A, introduces a fresh Mediterranean fast-casual dining experience to the area, featuring a delectable array of shawarma wraps and platters with chicken, beef, and falafel. Additionally, they serve halal burgers, cheesesteaks, subs, and poutines.
This dynamic duo first met at James River High School, where Ho graduated at the age of 16. Despite earning associate degrees in information technology, their shared passion for food motivated them to venture into the restaurant industry together.
The inspiration for Basically Halal struck when they discovered an available spot and decided on the concept of serving shawarma. Located adjacent to Petra Halal Food, a Mediterranean food store, Basically Halal is among the few halal restaurants south of the James River.
With a dedication to halal practices, all the food at Basically Halal is prepared and processed following Islamic laws and guidelines. Marinated beef and chicken are carefully shaved into thin slices for their shawarma, platters, and subs. While their beef, Australian-certified and lamb, requires meticulous preparation, the results are well worth it.
Basically Halal takes pride in making most of their sauces in-house, including a delightful Middle Eastern garlic sauce, tahini, tzatziki, pom pom (pomegranate molasses), and their unique halal sauce, described as a “Middle Eastern Big Mac sauce.”
Drawing on family recipes, Mahfouz’s Palestinian grandmother has influenced many of their shawarma creations, imparting a touch of authenticity to their menu. On the other hand, Ho’s Vietnamese background, along with his Middle Eastern friends from high school, inspired him to embrace Islam last year.
Since its opening on July 7, Basically Halal has been a hit with locals, often experiencing sold-out days. The restaurant’s interior is primarily designed for take-out, featuring counter service, three tables, and vibrant neon signs bearing the name “Basically Halal.” Impressively, Ho and Mahfouz crafted the interior themselves, relying on YouTube tutorials, albeit with a few minor hiccups.
Running the business has been a challenging yet rewarding experience for the duo and their team of four, who work diligently from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. On Fridays, they open later in the afternoon after attending mosque.
As the word continues to spread, more and more customers flock to Basically Halal, eager to savor their mouthwatering shawarma and other Mediterranean delights.
