Shahezad Contractor, founder and CEO of Cousin’s Food Inc. based in Philadelphia, launched his halal restaurant chain, Cousin’s Burger, in 2024. The business, which began with a goal to provide more halal options, has expanded to eight locations across the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Contractor aims to position Cousin’s Burger as a leading brand, aspiring to reach the status of notable chains like In-N-Out and Shake Shack.
Contractor’s restaurant group also includes Cousin’s Pizza and Cousin’s Smokehouse and Burgers. In 2025, these establishments collectively generated over $4 million in revenue. Contractor identifies substantial untapped potential in the halal food market, asserting that the benefits of halal meat, such as quality and humane treatment of animals, appeal to a wider audience.
Contractor’s entry into the restaurant industry was somewhat serendipitous. After a 24-year career in IT, he participated in a halal food festival in 2023, where he successfully sold smashburgers. This experience ignited his interest in establishing a restaurant in Philadelphia, which he considered an ideal location given its significant Muslim population.
Through collaboration with Rizwan Ahmed, he converted an existing restaurant into the first Cousin’s Burger location. The chain quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality ingredients, simple recipes, and strong customer service. The smashburger has become a standout menu item, featuring USDA Prime Black Angus beef and proprietary sauces.
Currently, Cousin’s Burger’s pricing reflects rising food costs, with single smashburgers priced between $7 and $8, depending on the location. Despite challenges with expenses such as rent and labor, Contractor has stepped back from day-to-day operations, focusing instead on marketing and brand growth.
Contractor left his stable IT job to pursue this venture, viewing it as a significant risk, especially as he supports his family. His long-term vision includes expanding Cousin’s Burger to 50 locations and exploring international markets, including Canada.
Contractor believes in the potential of his brand, stating that he plans to continue pursuing growth until faced with limitations.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from www.cnbc.com.
