Zak Khan transitioned from operating a halal cart in the Financial District to establishing a successful chain of gyro restaurants across Brooklyn. Facing challenges like expensive permits and fines, he found greater success with a brick-and-mortar establishment. During the pandemic, Khan distributed hot meals, engaging with community figures such as Zohran Mamdani, who later ran for mayor. Mamdani's rise disrupted traditional political fundraising norms, resonating with the electorate in novel ways. Khan recognized Mamdani's distinctive approach to connecting with working-class voters, an area often neglected by others in politics.
Khan started out with a little halal cart down on Wall Street, just after the September 11 attacks. Running a halal cart is a rough business: permits cost an arm and a leg, and the city fines you without mercy.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Khan started giving out hot halal meals. A young state assembly member, Zohran Mamdani, showed up to help. His words were: 'This is not a time for lecturing. It's a time for listening.'
Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, electrifying the off-year electorate. The political consultant classes sought to understand his unique appeal, which went beyond traditional money = votes.
Khan observed that Mamdani was a different kind of politician and noted Mamdani's understanding of how to appeal to working- and middle-class voters, which others overlooked.
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