Altawaha
Mohammad
Meet Mohammad Altawaha, also known as Abu Omar, the visionary behind Abu Omar Halal – a culinary sensation that began with Houston’s first halal food truck in 2011 and has since grown to 25+ locations nationwide. As the CFO of ISAT, a non-profit supporting international students, and the creative force behind brands such as Arabella Mediterranean Cuisine, Badchx Nashville Hot Chicken, and Coreanos Mexican Korean fusion, Abu Omar is not just a culinary entrepreneur; he's a philanthropist dedicated to fostering unity in diversity. Tune in to his podcast, where he spotlights fellow entrepreneurs and shares inspiring stories. Join Abu Omar on a journey of flavors, stories, and entrepreneurial inspiration.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA
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IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA ✦
Get To
Know Me
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.
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.
Family of
brands
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.
Named after the historic hometown of our founder and head chef, Arabella Mediterranean Kitchen + Grill brings to Texas a tradition of tasty dishes handed down for generations. We pride ourselves on the authenticity of our cuisine and look forward to sharing the many flavors of the Mediterranean with our customers.
Bad CHX is the hottest spot for southern fried and Nashville hot chicken! Our signature batter and homemade dipping sauces create a delicious combination that is sure to spice up any meal.
Inspired by the stories of fellow entrepreneurs, I launched my own podcast show. The 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 explore the challenges, triumphs, and insights of these visionaries.
In my multifaceted role as a culinary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and podcast host, I continue to celebrate unity in diversity, empower others through education, and share the richness of international cuisines with the world. Join me on this exciting journey of flavors, stories, and entrepreneurial inspiration.
The International Students Association of Texas (ISAT) was founded in Houston with the goal of serving international students throughout Texas. ISAT is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance to international students. We are committed to assisting them in achieving their goals of studying abroad and embracing American culture while celebrating unity in diversity. Our goal is to foster an environment in which international students can flourish academically, culturally, and socially.
let’s
chat!
I’m pleased you’ve discovered my podcast and you’re here to join me for the next part of my story. Together, we will be exploring the secrets of success, making sense of social media, emphasizing the importance of community, and hopefully, building a community of our own.
Your feedback, as well as suggestions for topics and guests are most appreciated!