At Yaya’s Pizza in Michigan, Yahya Abuelezz is doing more than serving slices — he’s creating a space where his community feels seen and served. In areas like Ypsilanti and Farmington, where many residents abstain from pork for religious or dietary reasons, Yahya saw an opportunity to offer something different: fully halal pizza. While some customers were hesitant at first, they quickly became fans — especially of the chicken shawarma pizza, a flavorful twist that’s now a customer favorite and keeps people coming back for more.
For Yahya, the best part of running Yaya’s is getting to work alongside family. His brother owns a restaurant just next door in the market, supplying Yaya’s with fresh, never frozen, halal meats. From chicken and turkey bacon, to beef pepperoni and sausage, quality is a non-negotiable. Many of his cousins are part of the team, too, creating a close-knit environment that keeps the shop running smoothly. The long hours can be tough, Yahya admits, but knowing his business is supported by the people he trusts most makes it all worth it.