The Halal Guys, the New York City–based American halal street-food concept, announced the signing of a new franchise deal for Washington, D.C.

The new franchisee, who worked with Fransmart East Coast sales vice president Ryan Durishin, signed on to develop 10 units, representing the entirety of the total D.C. market available.

Having recently announced plans to franchise in a June edition of The New York Times, The Halal Guys is xpanding internationally through a combination of company- and franchise-owned stores, starting with its first brick-and-mortar locations: two company restaurants located in New York City. It also signed multi-unit franchise deals for Southern California, Houston, and the Philippines.

Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill, is partnering with The Halal Guys to expand the brand worldwide. Fransmart’s penetration plan will focus on top markets in North America, seeking real estate in mass gathering areas like airports, train stations, malls, and neighborhoods with a significant late-night demand, as well as the Middle East.

Named to Time magazine’s “Top 10 Most Yelped Businesses of 2013,” The Halal Guys has a fierce customer fan base with reviewer comments like: “Best Halal food in the world…” “This spot is legendary!!” “These guys ARE different,” and “Amazing. A ‘must’ when in NYC.” 

“This is a concept that will adapt to all markets everywhere,” says Fransmart CEO Dan Rowe. “In 10 years I see this brand being synonymous with halal street food, all over the world.”