Detroit Halal Restaurants Struggle With Low Business During Ramadan | Eater Detroit

"In Hamtramck, Bonoful Sweets & Cafe fully closed on March 23 and then reopened on April 22 to prepare for Ramadan, with owners Oyez and Mustak Ahmed hoping their jalebi—the deep-fried dough soaked in aromatic syrup that’s the star of Bangladeshi iftar foods—will drive business. I was told jalebi was traditionally made in huge quantities (up to 500 pounds daily) with two chefs on hand and sold at $5 per pound, but with business down about 50 percent this year the restaurant has broken up shifts so chefs receive fewer hours and brings both in only during slightly busier afternoons; Bonoful is operating carryout-only, limiting customers inside, and has been asked to open for jalebi despite not expecting the usual long lines." - Nargis Rahman