Italian Express Celebrates 40 Years as Halal Fast-Food Pioneer in Chicagoland
Italian Express, a family-run restaurant chain in the Chicago area, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, recognized as the first fast-food establishment in the region to serve exclusively halal meat. Founded by Mohammed Ismail, who purchased the original Rogers Park location in 1986, the business pivoted to halal Italian-American cuisine in 1990, introducing items like gyro sandwiches and halal pasta to suburban communities where options were previously scarce. His widow, Jamila Ismail, continues to oversee operations at the Glendale Heights location, reflecting on four decades of growth and community impact. Omar Ali of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce highlights the restaurant's significant role in expanding halal dining availability beyond traditional ethnic enclaves during the 1990s. Despite a surge in competing halal eateries across Chicagoland in recent years, Italian Express has maintained its original menu and operational style. The article honors Mohammed Ismail’s legacy as a pioneer who not only built a successful business but also assisted other immigrants in launching their own halal ventures, cementing the brand's status as a cornerstone of the local Muslim community.
Wire timeline
Italian Express Celebrates 40 Years as Halal Fast-Food Pioneer in Chicagoland
Italian Express, a family-run restaurant chain in the Chicago area, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, recognized as the first fast-food establishment in the region to serve exclusively halal meat. Founded by Mohammed Ismail, who purchased the original Rogers Park location in 1986, the business pivoted to halal Italian-American cuisine in 1990, introducing items like gyro sandwiches and halal pasta to suburban communities where options were previously scarce. His widow, Jamila Ismail, continues to oversee operations at the Glendale Heights location, reflecting on four decades of growth and community impact. Omar Ali of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce highlights the restaurant's significant role in expanding halal dining availability beyond traditional ethnic enclaves during the 1990s. Despite a surge in competing halal eateries across Chicagoland in recent years, Italian Express has maintained its original menu and operational style. The article honors Mohammed Ismail’s legacy as a pioneer who not only built a successful business but also assisted other immigrants in launching their own halal ventures, cementing the brand's status as a cornerstone of the local Muslim community.
chicagotribune