Oxford Gets Its First Authentic Middle Eastern Restaurant

In a small but meaningful transformation of Oxford’s dining landscape, Halal Food Inc. opened its doors on October 17, becoming the city’s first Middle Eastern restaurant. Located at 17 N. Beech Street, Halal Food Inc. offers a range of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma, falafel, and gyros, introducing locals and students to a new culinary experience. This latest branch marks an important milestone for the Ohio-based restaurant group, which has been on a mission to bring halal and Middle Eastern cuisine to college towns across the state.

A Franchise with a Mission

Halal Food Inc. is the vision of entrepreneur Yahia Jayosi, who, alongside his business partner, established the restaurant’s first location in Cincinnati’s bustling downtown area in 2022. Situated on E. Court Street, the flagship location quickly gained popularity among residents and students at the University of Cincinnati. Just a year later, Halal Food Inc. opened its second branch near the University of Cincinnati’s Clifton campus, drawing strong support from the student community. The success of this location inspired Jayosi to expand to Oxford and other college towns.

“We are trying to build a franchise,” Jayosi shared. “Our goal is to bring halal food options to students and residents in college towns across Ohio. We saw a huge demand for our cuisine in Clifton, and that’s what made me look at Oxford as our next location.” Jayosi’s ambitions reflect a larger trend of halal and Middle Eastern cuisine gaining popularity in college towns, where students seek diverse and authentic dining options.

Why Oxford?

Oxford, Ohio, is home to Miami University, one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the United States. The town is known for its vibrant academic environment and student-driven community. Despite its size and the cultural diversity of the student body, Oxford’s dining scene has long been limited to traditional American fare, pizza joints, and a handful of international restaurants.

Jayosi saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Oxford’s dining offerings. “There was a noticeable absence of Middle Eastern and halal options in Oxford. I felt it was a perfect match,” he explained. “The college environment is ideal for our concept, as students are often curious and open to trying new cuisines.” The decision to expand to Oxford aligns with a growing trend of Middle Eastern and halal restaurants opening in college towns, where demand for unique flavors and dietary options like halal has been steadily increasing.

Halal Food Inc. is not only the first Middle Eastern restaurant in Oxford but also a representation of the growing importance of halal dining options in the U.S. Halal, which means “permissible” in Arabic, refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. This focus on halal options resonates with the Muslim population, as well as with health-conscious consumers seeking clean and ethically sourced food.

Halal Food Inc.

Located in the space formerly occupied by the Oxford Hookah Lounge, Halal Food Inc. offers a welcoming atmosphere designed to introduce Oxford’s residents and students to the flavors of the Middle East. The restaurant’s interior is a blend of modern decor and cultural touches, creating a warm ambiance that enhances the dining experience. The menu includes classic Middle Eastern dishes like chicken shawarma, lamb gyros, falafel, and fresh salads, prepared with authentic spices and cooking techniques.

Since its opening, Halal Food Inc. has received enthusiastic responses from customers, particularly for its chicken shawarma, which Jayosi describes as the restaurant’s most popular item. “Whenever people try it, they come back and often bring friends with them,” he said. The restaurant has also drawn attention for its falafel, a vegetarian dish made from chickpeas and spices, and its savory lamb gyros. These dishes represent the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a taste profile that is rich, aromatic, and satisfying.

Kimberly Clarke, an Oxford resident and manager at Wild Berry on High Street, expressed her excitement about the restaurant. “Having lived in eight different college towns, I’ve always found great Middle Eastern food options—except in Oxford. This was the one town missing that diversity,” Clarke shared. “I was thrilled when I heard Halal Food Inc. was coming. We need this kind of diversity in our flavor palette.”

Middle Eastern Cuisine in the U.S.

Halal Food Inc.’s success is part of a larger trend: the rise of Middle Eastern cuisine in the United States. According to the National Restaurant Association, Middle Eastern cuisine has seen a notable increase in popularity, with dishes like shawarma, hummus, and falafel becoming mainstream menu items. This trend is driven by changing consumer preferences and a desire for authentic, globally inspired flavors. College towns, with their diverse populations and adventurous diners, have been at the forefront of this trend, offering a fertile ground for Middle Eastern restaurants.

Middle Eastern cuisine is characterized by its bold use of spices like cumin, coriander, and sumac, as well as its emphasis on fresh ingredients. Dishes like shawarma, gyros, and falafel are not only flavorful but also nutritious, appealing to a health-conscious generation. Moreover, the increasing popularity of plant-based diets has brought attention to Middle Eastern dishes like falafel, which offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Halal Dining in College Communities

The concept of halal dining extends beyond religious dietary needs. Halal, which means “permissible” in Arabic, emphasizes ethical sourcing, cleanliness, and high-quality ingredients, making it attractive to a broad audience. Halal Food Inc. has attracted not only Muslim students but also non-Muslim customers who appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

“People are becoming more aware of what they eat and where it comes from,” Jayosi noted. “Halal cuisine aligns with that awareness. It’s not just about following dietary laws; it’s about eating food that is prepared with care and respect.”

As more people seek out halal options, restaurants like Halal Food Inc. are well-positioned to meet this demand. The presence of halal-certified dining options also fosters inclusivity in college towns, where students from various cultural backgrounds come together. For Muslim students, having halal options in Oxford provides a sense of community and belonging, as they can enjoy familiar foods without compromising their dietary principles.

Oxford’s Dining Scene

Despite its growing popularity, Halal Food Inc. faces some challenges. The restaurant’s location, tucked away in an alley next to Left Field Tavern, has made it somewhat difficult for new customers to find. However, Jayosi has been proactive in addressing this issue by increasing his marketing efforts. He has collaborated with local businesses, distributed menus at community events, and actively engaged with Oxford’s student organizations to spread the word about the restaurant.

Oxford resident Kimberly Clarke has also played a role in promoting Halal Food Inc. She regularly shares the restaurant’s menu with customers at Wild Berry, particularly those looking for a late afternoon meal. “It’s honestly selfish,” Clarke laughed. “I want Halal Food Inc. to stay open because I can’t get enough of their chicken shawarma. I want others to experience it too.”

Jayosi’s commitment to building a loyal customer base is evident. “The community support has been incredible,” he said. “People tell us, ‘We need you here,’ and that keeps us going.”

A Bright Future for Halal Food Inc.

Looking to the future, Jayosi has ambitious plans for Halal Food Inc. His vision extends beyond Oxford, as he aims to introduce his Middle Eastern restaurant concept to other college towns, including Dayton. His ultimate goal is to establish Halal Food Inc. as a well-known franchise across Ohio, providing students and residents in each town with a unique and inclusive dining experience.

The expansion of halal and Middle Eastern cuisine into college towns reflects a broader trend of culinary diversity in the U.S. dining industry. As students and young adults embrace global flavors and seek out ethical dining options, restaurants like Halal Food Inc. are meeting this demand by offering an authentic taste of Middle Eastern culture.

Halal Food Inc. has quickly become more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural bridge that connects the community to the Middle East’s rich culinary heritage. Whether through the savory spices in chicken shawarma, the crisp texture of falafel, or the bold flavors of lamb gyros, Halal Food Inc. invites customers to explore a world of flavors that are both new and familiar.

The Lasting Impact of Halal Restaurants

The growth of Middle Eastern and halal dining in the United States has had a significant cultural impact, as these restaurants introduce American diners to flavors and traditions from across the Middle East. By bringing halal cuisine to Oxford, Halal Food Inc. contributes to this cultural exchange, enriching the local dining scene and broadening the culinary horizons of Oxford’s residents and students.

In recent years, the demand for Middle Eastern and halal options has surged, as more consumers appreciate the unique flavors and high-quality ingredients that characterize this cuisine. Middle Eastern restaurants have introduced Americans to dishes like shawarma, baba ganoush, and baklava, creating a lasting impact on the U.S. food industry. This influence extends beyond the dining table, as the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine fosters greater cultural understanding and appreciation.

A Taste of the Middle East in Oxford

Halal Food Inc. is a welcome addition to Oxford’s dining scene, bringing the city its first authentic Middle Eastern restaurant. From its carefully crafted menu to its welcoming atmosphere, Halal Food Inc. offers a unique experience that resonates with both locals and students. As more diners discover the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, Halal Food Inc. is set to become a fixture in Oxford, inspiring a newfound appreciation for the tastes and traditions of the Middle East.

As Halal Food Inc. continues to grow, it represents not only the success of a single restaurant but also the broader appeal of Middle Eastern and halal cuisine in America. For Oxford, the arrival of Halal Food Inc. signals a new chapter in the city’s culinary story, one filled with exciting flavors, cultural connections, and the promise of more to come.