Mohammad

Originally from Irbid, Jordan, I arrived in the United States in 2008, with the intention of completing my Masters Degree. During the course of my studies, however, I rediscovered a lifelong passion for cooking while working in various Mediterranean restaurants in the Houston area. After some time spent learning the managerial side of restaurant ownership and operation, I decided to open a food truck. 

Abu Omar Halal – Houston’s First Halal Food Truck

In 2011, I opened Houston’s first halal food truck. Although my concept was originally a fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines, it quickly became apparent that the Mediterranean dishes (the chicken shawarma arabi, in particular) were crowd favorites. I made the fateful decision to transition to a Mediterranean-only concept and it served me well. 

At present, the Abu Omar Halal brand has grown to include a network of 25+ food trucks and restaurants.

Diverse Culinary Ventures

Driven by my love for cooking and hospitality, I have since expanded my culinary portfolio to include additional brands, such as Arabella Mediterranean Cuisine, BAD CHX Nashville Hot Chicken, and Coreanos Mexican Korean fusion, all of which are beloved establishments with multiple locations in the state of Texas, each offering unique and fully halal culinary experiences.

Obvious Next Steps

Once I realized that this was my calling, constructing and operating both food trucks and restaurants, the logical next step was to open additional businesses to facilitate this end. I have since opened a full-service commissary, El Castillo, to service and supply food trucks, as well as Chef’s Haven, which builds and fabricates food trucks and supplies food-industry equipment.

Community Involvement

In addition to my business ventures, I am also an active member of the local community, serving as the inaugural President of the Jordanian American Society of Houston and as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Students’ Association of Texas, a non-profit organization which is committed to supporting international students throughout the state of Texas. 

Podcast Host

Inspired by the stories of fellow entrepreneurs, I have launched my own podcast show. My platform aims to shine a spotlight on the journeys of diverse entrepreneurs, offering a source of inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark. Through engaging interviews, we will explore the challenges, triumphs, and insights of these visionaries.

In my various roles as a culinary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and (now) podcast host, I hope to celebrate unity in diversity, empower others through education, and share the richness of international cuisines with the world. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of flavors, stories, and entrepreneurial inspiration.