economy
44-year-old left his tech job and started a halal burger joint—his restaurants brought in over $4 million in 2025
Shahezad Contractor left his "cushy" IT career and launched a halal restaurant chain.
TL;DR
- Shahezad Contractor, formerly in IT, founded Cousin's Burger, a halal restaurant chain, in 2024.
- The chain has eight locations across the Northeast and generated over $4 million in revenue in 2025.
- Contractor aims to make Cousin's Burger a major player in the fast-casual market, comparing it to In-N-Out or Shake Shack.
- He believes halal food has broad appeal due to perceived high quality and humane practices, not just among Muslims.
- The business's success is attributed to high-quality ingredients, simple recipes, and excellent customer service.
- Contractor left his IT job, a significant personal risk, to build generational wealth and capitalize on the growing halal market.
- Long-term goals include opening 50 locations and expanding internationally.