Yala: a 100% non-profit restaurant serving hope

Delicious Halal American cuisine with a mission—every meal supports a cause, every bite brings hope.

Meals That Matter

Yala is more than a restaurant—it’s a community-driven initiative owned and operated by the Umma Foundation. Our mission is to use food as a force for good. We cover all essential costs, from food supplies to fair wages, while keeping prices affordable for everyone. Every extra dollar goes directly into funding our Trucks of Hope initiative, bringing hot meals, haircuts, and hygiene essentials to those in need.

A Commitment to Community

Driven by the fundamental values of Umma Foundation, Yala believes that every business has a responsibility to uplift its community. By dining with us, you’re supporting much more than just a meal; you’re helping us fund projects like food distributions, hygiene kits, and blanket distributions. Through Umma, we have numerous projects in development—including mobile health check-ups and dental services—each designed to meet critical community needs.

Dining for Change

At Yala, we serve Halal American food, combining flavors with a purpose. Our 100% non-profit model channels every dollar of profit into initiatives that uplift our community. Whether you’re enjoying a meal or donating directly through the Umma Foundation, your contribution fuels essential services, from mobile barbershops to planned health screenings, all delivered through our Trucks of Hope.

Join the Movement

Driving Hope Forward with the Trucks of Hope Program

At Yala, we’re proud to be more than a restaurant—we’re a crucial hub for providing hot meals to those in need. As the primary supplier for the Umma Foundation’s Trucks of Hope program, we prepare nutritious meals that are delivered directly to underserved communities across New York. Each meal you enjoy at Yala helps us keep these wheels of hope moving, ensuring that we can continue to meet the basic needs of our neighbors, from hot meals to essential services.
At Yala, each meal is more than a dish—it’s a way to nourish our community and bring compassion to life. Whether you join us for a meal or spread the word, your support helps us provide food, essential care, and hope to those who need it most.