Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Qureshi.
Hi Ali, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in southwest Houston, specifically Alief, and the deli business has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, even my first birthday was in a deli. I grew up in my dad’s delis across the Houston area, and by the time I was six years old, I was spending my summers there, helping with small tasks wherever I could. As the oldest son of an immigrant, being in the deli wasn’t unusual—it was simply part of everyday life, and something I naturally gravitated toward.
By high school, I was working in the delis full-time, and eventually I went on to open my own branches within the franchise we were part of. But I always had a bigger vision. I wanted to build my own brand—one that was 100% halal and truly represented who I was and the community I come from.
When the pandemic hit and we were forced to shut down our office-building location, it became a turning point. I knew it was time to finally take the leap. The idea for Q’s Deli had been sitting in my iPhone Notes for exactly ten years before I built up the nerve to bring it to life. We officially opened on Labor Day weekend in 2022 as the first fully halal American deli in the United States.
Our menu is intentionally broad, but some of our top sellers include the Q’s Best, the Q Stack, and our Reuben. Since opening, we’ve been fortunate to serve an incredibly diverse customer base and host large community-driven events in our parking lot. One of the most meaningful is our annual suhoor during Ramadan, where nearly 4,000 people come through throughout the night. We also host a Pakistani Night every August, featuring a special fusion menu that celebrates our roots.
We’ve been blessed to break new ground, including becoming the first halal cuisine represented at Houston Rockets and Houston Dynamo games. Looking ahead, we’re planning to expand into central Houston in 2026. There’s a lot of exciting things coming down the pipeline, and I’m grateful to continue building and sharing this journey with our H-Town family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to Q’s Deli was far from smooth—it was a period of intense personal growth. During the conception of Q’s, my life completely fell apart. I lost everything and had to rebuild, brick by brick. Both my business and personal life were filled with adversity, but looking back, those challenges were necessary. They shaped me, grounded me, and pushed me to grow into the person and business owner I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the owner and founder of Q’s Deli, a Houston-based, 100% halal deli brand. I grew up in the deli business alongside my father, who has over 40 years of experience, and those early years shaped how I approach food and hospitality.
Q’s Deli is about creating a modern, high-quality deli experience that’s accessible to everyone. A core part of my mission is bridging the gap between the Muslim community and mainstream food culture in Houston—showing that halal food belongs in the city’s everyday dining scene.
I also see the brand as a way to give Pakistani culture positive, modern exposure in Houston through food, design, and community. What I’m most proud of is building something authentic that reflects faith, family, and inclusivity, while bringing people from all backgrounds together.
What makes you happy?
My two daughters are the source of my happiness. Jannah and Emaan keep me grounded and busy when I’m not at Q’s—they’re my heartbeat and what matters most to me. Beyond family, serving and feeding our community truly brings me joy. I know many of our customers on a personal level, and that connection is a big part of what makes Q’s Deli special and successful.
Pricing:
- Q’s Best 12.99
- Reuben 12.99
- Q Stack 13.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qsdeli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qs_deli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QsDeliTX
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/qs-deli-sugar-land?osq=Qs+Deli
