Halal burger founder left a tech job and his restaurants brought in over $4 million in 2025

Shahezad Contractor left a tech role to start Cousin's Burger in 2024; his group of halal restaurants reported over $4 million in revenue in 2025 and now operates eight locations across the Northeast.

Shahezad Contractor left a technology job and launched Cousin's Burger in 2024 to add more halal options in the market. He is the founder and CEO of Cousin's Food Inc., which is based in Philadelphia. The business now includes eight locations across the Northeast and operates multiple concepts. Documents reviewed by CNBC Make It report the group brought in over $4 million in revenue in 2025. Key details: - Shahezad Contractor, 44, left a tech role and founded Cousin's Food Inc. and Cousin's Burger in 2024. - Cousin's Burger operates eight locations across the Northeast. - The company also runs Cousin's Pizza and Cousin's Smokehouse and Burgers. - Documents reviewed by CNBC Make It show the restaurants collectively brought in over $4 million in revenue in 2025. - Contractor said he sees untapped potential in the halal food market and has ambitions to grow the brand. Summary: The reported revenue and multiple locations indicate early commercial traction for the halal-focused concepts. Contractor has stated ambitions to scale the brand; Undetermined at this time.