The Jabara Brothers: How Palestinian Entrepreneurs Built a Business Empire in the USA Without Loans
From Chocolate House to Slap Burger and Yaffa Coffee, Hazem and Malek Jabara turned one café into 10 branches and a franchise success story.
The story of Hazem and Malek Jabara is a remarkable example of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit within the Palestinian-American community. In less than four years, the Jabara brothers have transformed their dreams into a thriving business empire, proving that success can be achieved without relying on loans.
Humble Beginnings in New Jersey
Hazem Jabara, originally from the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, was born in New York but spent part of his youth in Palestine before returning to the United States for university. In 2021, he took a bold step by launching his first venture, Chocolate House, in Paterson, New Jersey — a city often referred to as “Little Palestine” due to its large Palestinian community.
The café quickly became a hit, offering high-quality desserts that combined American flavors with Middle Eastern inspiration.
Rapid Growth Across New Jersey and New York
By 2025, the Jabara brothers had expanded their operations to 10 branches:
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Five in New Jersey
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Five in New York
This rapid growth was achieved without bank loans. Instead, Hazem reinvested profits from the first Chocolate House into new locations, setting a model of sustainable, grassroots entrepreneurship.
Malek Jabara Joins the Mission
In 2023, Hazem’s younger brother, Malek Jabara, joined the business after graduating from university. Together, the brothers strengthened their vision, combining Hazem’s early experience with Malek’s fresh perspective and energy.
Expanding Beyond Chocolate: Slap Burger & Yaffa Coffee
Not content with just one success story, the Jabara brothers diversified into new culinary ventures:
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Slap Burger: A burger brand offering flavorful, high-quality meals at competitive prices. Currently, Slap Burger has two operating branches, with two more set to open in the Bronx and Queens, New York.
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Yaffa Coffee & Kunafa: A Palestinian-inspired café in Paterson that celebrates Palestinian heritage through its menu. Its signature kunafa desserts and authentic coffee have already gained a loyal following.
The Power of Community & No-Loan Success
What makes the Jabara brothers’ story even more inspiring is their refusal to rely on loans. Instead, they built their empire through reinvestment, determination, and strong community support. Their ventures have now opened doors for franchising, inviting others to join their growing brands.
A Model for Young Entrepreneurs
The success of Hazem and Malek Jabara is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Palestinians worldwide. Their journey shows that with persistence, creativity, and faith in one’s vision, it is possible to build thriving businesses from scratch.
