Our Story
Built on
Purpose.
At Yala, food is more than nourishment - it is a tool for creating positive change in our communities and beyond.
How It Started
Born from
Purpose
YALA was born from the Umma Foundation's vision to feed people, locally and globally.
Starting as a nonprofit halal restaurant in Staten Island, YALA was designed to be 100% nonprofit - where wages, food costs, and overhead are covered, and all profit goes directly to humanitarian aid.
The restaurant's rapid success drew overwhelming interest. To meet demand and multiply impact, we created the Yala Franchise: a for-profit opportunity where the franchise fee funds Umma Foundation projects, and franchisees get a mission-driven, proven business.
Every meal served at Yala directly contributes to the Trucks of Hope initiative.
Our Impact
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Meals Served
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Families Fed Monthly
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Pending Locations
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Nonprofit
Our Promise
Halal with
Integrity
At Yala, halal is not just a certification - it is a commitment we make to every customer who walks through our doors. From farm to plate, every ingredient is verified, every supplier is vetted, and every process is designed to maintain the highest standards.
100% Halal Certified
HFA certified kitchen and supply chain
Zabihah Practices
All meat prepared following zabihah standards
Vetted Suppliers Only
Every supplier audited for halal compliance
What We Stand For
Our
Values
Halal Integrity
Every ingredient is verified halal. Every supplier is vetted. We never compromise on what goes into your food - because trust is earned at every step.
Community First
We exist to serve our communities. From the Trucks of Hope to local partnerships, every decision we make puts people before profit.
Sustainability
Responsible sourcing, minimal waste, and thoughtful packaging. We are building a restaurant model that respects the planet.
Quality Food
Char-grilled, hand-prepared, made fresh daily. We believe halal food should be the best food - no shortcuts, no compromises.
Fair Wages
Our team members earn competitive wages and grow with us. A mission-driven brand means taking care of the people behind the counter.
Transparency
We are a 100% nonprofit. Our financials, sourcing, and impact are open for all to see. You deserve to know where your dollar goes.
Vision
Eat Good,
Do Good.
Yala reimagines the role of a restaurant - not just as a place to eat, but as a space for impact. We serve high-quality, affordable food that brings people together and gives back with every bite.
Mission
Every Meal
Matters.
Our mission is to make good food do good. By focusing on impact over profit, every Yala powers local aid through the Hope Bus, offering real value to customers while feeding those in need.
“
Amazing staff, very helpful and the food was absolutely excellent. I got the chicken loaded fries with honey garlic sauce and ate every last bite!
- Medlemin E., Verified Google Review
