Shahezad Contractor plans to bring Cousin’s Burger to his hometown Collegeville, writes Reuben Harley for the Philadelphia Citizen.
Since debuting at the Philly Halal Food Festival, Contractor has expanded with locations in Fairmount, the Exton Mall, and South Street. He plans for more in Collegeville, Phoenixville, and Cinnaminson, NJ.
As a Muslim, Contractor’s focus on halal food stems from personal experience, filling a gap in the market for quality halal fast food.
Growing up, he faced limited options for quality cuts of meat, but discovering Prime Halal changed that. Contractor’s love for cooking and his background in marketing fueled his journey into the food industry. His breakout success at the halal festival sparked a new direction.
Shah used social media strategically, with a post from Philly Halal Spots driving over 500,000 views for Cousin’s. The Exton location, themed in 90s nostalgia, is part of his growing presence, supported by strong online delivery sales.
With plans to franchise, he’s expanding his team. He hired an accountant and attorney, and has received interest from as far as California. Guided by the Islamic belief in risq — that one’s sustenance is predestined — Contractor is driven by the principle of doing his best without comparing himself to others. His ultimate goal: to keep pushing boundaries and see just how far Cousin’s Burger can go.
Read more about Cousin’s Burger in the Philadelphia Citizen.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in November 2025.
