Halal Guys food cart is heading to the East Village.
According to the New York Daily News, the food cart owners, known for their late-night lines on 53rd and 6th Ave., is opening a restaurant on 14th Street and 2nd Ave this November.
The new location will feature shish kebabs, more vegetarian options and a juice bar, according to general manger Hesham Hegazy. There are plans to add sparse indoor seating to the venue.
"We're working with the interior designer now," Hegazy said.
The Daily News reported the team found the new venue when they opened up a cart on the corner two weeks ago. The East Village was chosen because of it's reputation for club scenes.
Hegazy said another reason for the East Village location is because New York University street dorms is nearby on 14th Street.
"It's ambitious, yes," Hegazy said. "But our customers have been asking about this for years."
The food stand, which started out as a hot dog stand in 1990, is currently open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. The Halal Guys are known for their gyros and rice platters, which have stayed around $6 for the past 23 years.
The company has grown to operate five food stands ,including two stands on 6th Ave. another one on 7th Ave. and a lonely outpost at Queens' LaGuardia Community College.
For customers who are fans of the Halal Guy, the new comes as a surprise and relief.
"Finally," said Minsu No, a 22-year-old who traveled by car to the city from Palisades Park, N.J., just for the cart's chicken and lamb combo. "I've been eating here for nine years. I'd be at that store every day."
