SALEM’S ABOUT US

Salem’s is home to Pittsburgh‘s
largest and longest running halal food operation.
For nearly 40 years, Salem’s has served as a cornerstone
of the city’s Middle Eastern and international food
markets and has grown into an institution within its rich
cultural food scene.

At Salem’s, our #1 mission has always been to provide access to healthy, fresh food in our communities. Most companies build the company first, then circle back and give support to their communities. But Salem’s stayed true to their goals by building on serving the community first.

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Salem’s continues to grow the brand as a community-based business, implementing a methodology that invites the community to act as a “business partner,” taking an active role in building the bridge that brings all people together. Independent international markets aren’t granted the same opportunities to build as larger entities like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, but our mission remains strong – to make international Halal foods more available to our communities.

“My mom ran the house, and she would become enraged because my father would always give things away. We have always been a MISSION-BASED COMPANY that values humanity as a whole. NO ONE GOES HUNGRY. We are open 365 days a year, and on holidays, because somebody will always need to eat.”

Salem’s has donated decades of hot meals to local students and families in underprivileged or unfortunate situations. Salem’s has also provided countless jobs for community members and currently employs six refugees looking for a better life. Sixteen nations of employees work at the grill, with a high percentage of female and minority employees.

Our success in nearly 40 years of operation has been predicated on our ability to consistently provide an exceptional guest experience. We take pride in our ability to make guests feel at home, no matter where they’re from. We believe our continued focus on the guest experience will allow us to continue to differentiate ourselves from the competition as we continue to grow.

SALEM’S MILESTONE HISTORY TIMELINE

1977 – Massaud Salem comes to Pittsburgh from Libya at age 27
1981 – Opens first location at Atwood St. on the PITT campus
1990 – Moves to S Bouquet St. & added a grocery store Rice & meat were cooked on a single electric stove & served
1999 – Buys the building next door
2000 – Reopens next door on April 4th, 2000
2009 – Abdullah buys the current location in the Strip District
2010 – Salem’s Grill opens on New Years Day
2011 – Salem’s Market opens